JOB cuts for police officers and staff could be on the cards if further reductions are made to Wiltshire Police’s budget, according to the local police and crime commissioner.

Angus Macpherson gave the warning when he attended Highworth’s town council meeting on Tuesday night.

He discussed a proposed policing precept increase of around £1 a month in next year’s council tax.

The average band D household currently contributes £14.19 per month to local policing but, if residents back the proposal, this would rise to £15.19 per month.

Wiltshire Police has received £19 million less funding from central government in real terms since 2010 to police the area but has responded to more crimes and supported more members of the public year on year.

Wiltshire received the fourth-lowest funding per resident in England and Wales last year.

Mr Macpherson said: “Around 80 per cent of the budget is spent on staff salaries.

“When this much money is spent on staff, if your money is reduced, it’s the staff that are reduced and that’s a reality of life.

“Over the years, a lot of money has been taken out and it’s continually going down, but we consistently get a ‘Good’ result from inspections and we should be very proud of that.”

When asked for clarification about possible job cuts as a result of further reductions, a spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “There were no detailed plans in place but... there would have to be budget reductions in 2018/19 but most significant in 2019/20.

“He would have tried to protect Community Policing Teams but this would have been a discussion between him and the Chief Constable.

“Even if the £12 annual increase is approved, savings will still have to be made within the Force but the Community Policing Teams will be protected.”

A public consultation is being held until Wednesday January 31 to give residents the chance to voice their views about the proposed precept increase.

Get in touch by visiting www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk or emailing pcc@wiltshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk