James Gray has added his name to a joint letter from MPs in Wiltshire and Swindon, to The Rt Hon Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, to call for a review of the Police Funding Formula.

The letter raises the concerns of the MPs, who feel that the challenges of modern day policing in Wiltshire are not reflected in the Police Funding Formula. Wiltshire has the lowest number of officers per head of population of any force across the country, and therefore the MPs have stressed the need for adequate resources to enable Wiltshire Police to meet these demands.

Mr Gray said that:

“Police demand is changing and becoming increasingly complex. It is therefore extremely important that PCCs have the necessary funding to keep communities safe. I certainly welcome the fact that the Government has proposed a total settlement for the police of up to £15.2 billion in 2020-21, however we must ensure that this funding is fairly allocated and that Wiltshire Police receive the funding they need.

Our police forces do a wonderful job, but we need to ensure they are supported and that they can continue to provide a high level of service. I hope that the Home Office will listen to our concerns and review the funding formula.”