FURTHER savings of more than £3 million could be needed from Wiltshire Police following the announcement of how much the force will receive from the Government next year.

While the funding cuts where not as bad as first feared there has been a reduction in what the county will get.

As a result there will likely be a rise of £3.12 in the police precept part of people’s annual council tax bill from next April.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson says the raise will mean community based policing can continue.

He said: “I am pleased that policing is not facing 25 to 40 per cent budget cuts as had been previously canvassed, particularly in light of the increased threat from terrorism.

“The police grant settlement announced yesterday does show a slight decrease in the central government grant for Wiltshire Police.

"Initial indications suggest that a further saving will need to be made in 2016-17 of between £2.7m and £3.5m. The exact amount will be dependent on my decision regarding the local police part of the council tax.

“In light of this, and the police grant settlement announced yesterday, I have begun to consult on the council tax within Wiltshire and Swindon, and my consultation will continue throughout January.

“It is my intention to propose an increase of 1.9 per cent to the police part of the council tax which equates to a £3.12 increase per year for the average Band D property.

“This will be used to further support funding for Wiltshire Police to protect community policing and ensure that they can continue to deliver a good service to the communities of Wiltshire and Swindon.”

Wiltshire is currently one of the lowest funded forces in country, with only two others receiving less per head.

The Government is looking at reviewing the funding formula, with initial projections suggesting Wiltshire will receive an increase in funds.

However, this was put back a year, much to the annoyance of Mr Macpherson.

“I am aware that there will continue to be pressure on policing budgets,” he said.

“Wiltshire remains the third lowest funded force in the country per head of population and the lowest in the south west region.

“I am a supporter of a revised funding formula that puts population at the centre of the calculations, as that is the main driver of demand for policing services.

“I am therefore disappointed that discussions around the government funding formula have been delayed – and I will continue to campaign for fair funding for Wiltshire.”

The news comes on the back of news Swindon Borough Council are looking at increasing council by 1.94 per cent next year, although this figure may double when the final budget is approved.

In the Autumn Statement, George Osborne gave local authorities the power to increase council tax by a further two per cent, which could mean a rise of nearly £50 for Band D properties in Swindon.