A HIKE in the police and crime precept of council tax has been signed off by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the panel that holds him to account.

PCC for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson yesterday set the police and crime element of council tax for 2014-15 at an increase of £3.15 a year for the average band D property.

The increase is to set help reduce the impact of central government grant reductions on policing and crime services in the area.

This increase of £3.15 a year means the rate for the police and crime element of council tax for an average band D property will be £160.92 for 2014-15.

For the past three years the rate has remained the same at £157.77 for a band D property.

Mr Macpherson said: “I am pleased the panel has supported my proposal for this modest increase in the police and crime element of council tax. The rate for policing and crime services in our area has not increased for the past three years and it will still be the lowest in the south west.

“This is a small increase now to protect the police service and other services I can commission in the long term.”