This week in Wiltshire:

Planning Committees Weigh In on Housing Development and Public Rights of Way

Wiltshire Council's planning committees have been active this week, considering applications that will shape our communities and impact public access. Decisions made by the Southern Area Planning Committee and the Western Area Planning Committee highlight the ongoing tension between development needs and the preservation of local character and environmental concerns.

Self-Build Dwellings Near Whaddon Face Scrutiny Amidst Planning History

The Southern Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider a planning application for three self-build dwellings on land adjacent to Kiln Close in Whaddon. This site has a complex planning history, with previous applications for similar developments being refused and appeals dismissed. A key issue in a previous appeal was the absence of a legal mechanism to secure the dwellings as genuinely self-build.

The current application is before the committee because the council can no longer issue a formal decision due to an appeal lodged on grounds of non-determination. This means any committee discussion will inform the council's position in the ongoing appeal process.

Concerns raised by Alderbury Parish Council and local residents include potential land contamination, embankment stability, drainage issues, loss of habitat, and highway safety. Environmental considerations are also paramount, with the proposal needing to address nutrient neutrality for the River Avon and River Test, and impacts on the New Forest Special Protection Area. The officer's report recommended granting planning permission, subject to a legal agreement to secure the self-build status and financial contributions for ecological mitigation, alongside several planning conditions.

• Southern Area Planning Committee meeting details

Progressive Pride Flag Display at County Hall Sparks Public Debate

The Western Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, where they were scheduled to consider an application for advertisement consent to display a Progressive Pride flag at County Hall in Trowbridge. This application, for a period of five days per year over five years, generated significant public interest, with 522 representations received – 369 objections and 153 in support.

Objectors argued for council neutrality, stating that public buildings should represent all members of the community and that displaying the flag could be divisive. Supporters, however, viewed the flag as a symbol of inclusion and respect.

Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, the display of such flags requires express consent, with assessments limited to impacts on amenity and public safety. Officers concluded that the flag, when displayed on the existing flagpole, would not harm visual amenity or public safety. The recommendation was to grant consent, subject to conditions limiting the display to five days per year.

The committee also considered a modification to the definitive map and statement concerning a public right of way in Longbridge Deverill, proposing to upgrade a footpath to bridleway status based on historical evidence.

• Western Area Planning Committee meeting details

Cabinet Approves Funding for Infrastructure and Community Projects

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, making key decisions on the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding and approving procurement strategies for essential services. These decisions will directly impact the development of infrastructure and the provision of council services across the county.

Strategic CIL Funding Boosts Local Infrastructure

Cabinet approved the allocation of significant Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to several vital projects. This includes:

• £1 million for the A350 Chippenham Bypass Improvements (Phases 4 and 5).
• £500,000 per annum for three years for Active Travel infrastructure improvements, encouraging walking and cycling.
• £500,000 per annum for three years for the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIG) programme, supporting local road maintenance.
• £250,000 per annum for three years for locally identified infrastructure projects put forward by parish and town councils, empowering local communities to address their specific needs.

The Cabinet also agreed to revise the criteria for prioritising Strategic CIL funding, aiming for a more flexible and robust approach that reflects evolving infrastructure needs and aligns with the emerging Local Plan.

Support for Salisbury Playhouse and Cultural Quarter

A key decision involved allocating £1 million from Strategic CIL funding towards the Stage the Future programme, a £22 million initiative to renovate and modernise Salisbury Playhouse. This funding will support eligible phase 1 infrastructure elements of the project, which aims to address critical building fabric, accessibility, and mechanical and electrical issues. The council also committed to underwriting Wiltshire Creative's fundraising campaign for phase 1, up to £3 million, providing a crucial safety net for this significant cultural investment.

Melksham Depot and Trowbridge Car Park Plans Advance

Cabinet also approved the procurement strategy for a new Central Area Strategic Depot in Melksham. This facility will consolidate multiple depot operations, including a Household Recycling Centre, and is designed to support future operational needs.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved revised terms for the transfer of St Stephen's Place Car Park in Trowbridge. This decision is a step towards a potential redevelopment of the site, which requires significant remedial works estimated at £3.5 million to £5 million to extend its serviceable life.

• Cabinet meeting details

Health and Wellbeing Board Focuses on Integrated Care and Armed Forces Support

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 16 July 2026, reviewing progress on the Better Care Fund, neighbourhood health initiatives, and crucial updates on health provision for Armed Forces families. The board also discussed strengthening its own governance to ensure more effective delivery of health and wellbeing strategies.

Better Care Fund Shows Positive Compliance

The Board received the Better Care Fund (BCF) end-of-year report for 2025/26, which indicated that Wiltshire had met all four national conditions for the fund. While financial performance was broadly on track, performance metrics showed mixed results, with stronger outcomes in reducing emergency admissions compared to improvements in discharge rates and residential admissions. The report recommended endorsement of the findings and noted the Chair's approval of its submission.

Neighbourhood Health Programme and Integrated Care Alliance Updates

Progress on the Wiltshire neighbourhood health programme was discussed, with the Stage 2 plan development now targeted for the end of 2026. Updates on the Wiltshire Integrated Care Alliance (ICA) highlighted increasing maturity in partnership working, with a focus on prevention, neighbourhood health, and reducing inequalities.

Addressing Health Needs of Armed Forces Families

A significant agenda item was an update on the health needs of Armed Forces families, following a Healthwatch Wiltshire report. Collaborative efforts have led to the establishment of working groups and the development of a localised platform called Belong in Wiltshire. The Board was asked to consider refreshing and expanding the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, exploring collaboration on an updated checklist for council and health partners. This focus is vital for ensuring that those who serve our country and their families receive appropriate and accessible healthcare.

Strengthening Board Governance

The Board considered options for strengthening its governance and system leadership. This is in response to a maturity assessment that identified a need for clearer ownership of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and stronger accountability for neighbourhood outcomes. The proposed changes aim to reposition the Board as the authoritative forum for population and neighbourhood health, ensuring a clear link from needs assessment to delivery and impact at the local level.

• Health and Wellbeing Board meeting details

This week in Wiltshire:

Planning Committees Tackle School Expansion and Footpath Diversions

Wiltshire Council's planning committees have been busy reviewing significant development proposals, including a major expansion for a primary school and the diversion of public footpaths. These decisions have direct implications for local infrastructure, community access, and the character of our neighbourhoods.

Malmesbury School Expansion Moves Forward Amidst Capacity Concerns

The Northern Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to consider a proposal to expand Malmesbury C of E Primary School. The plans aim to increase the school's capacity by 210 pupils, from 420 to 630 places, by constructing nine new classrooms and associated facilities. This expansion is intended to address future pupil demand, though concerns were raised by the Council's Schools Place Commissioning Lead regarding the demonstrated need for additional places, citing current surplus capacity and declining birth rates.

Despite these concerns, the officer's report recommended approval, highlighting the benefits of improved connectivity and ecological enhancements. The expansion also includes plans for a new staff car park and improved play areas. A separate application for a new footpath, intended to serve as temporary construction access, was also considered. While residents raised concerns about highway safety during construction, officers concluded that the long-term benefit of an improved pedestrian and cycle link outweighed these temporary impacts.

• Northern Area Planning Committee meeting details

Chute Footpath Diversion Sparks Debate Over Public Access

The Eastern Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to discuss the proposed diversion of Chute Path No.18. The diversion is necessary to facilitate the construction of a triple-bay garage and a change of land use to residential at the Cross Keys pub, under planning reference PL/2025/03438. This development would obstruct the current route of the footpath.

The proposal has generated significant opposition, with fourteen objections received. Concerns raised include the necessity of the diversion, the perceived lower quality of the proposed route, and its impact on the conservation area. While the planning application for the garage has already been approved, the diversion of the footpath was a condition of that permission. Government guidance generally favours diverting public rights of way out of private residential curtilages. The report recommended that the order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with a recommendation for confirmation without modification.

• Eastern Area Planning Committee meeting details

Self-Build Dwellings Proposed Near Whaddon Amidst Planning History and Environmental Concerns

The Southern Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider a complex application for three new self-build dwellings on land adjacent to Kiln Close, Whaddon. This site has a history of refused applications and appeals, with a previous appeal dismissed due to the lack of a legal mechanism to secure the dwellings as self-build. The current application is before the committee as the council no longer has the ability to issue a formal decision due to an appeal on grounds of non-determination.

The proposal has faced objections from Alderbury Parish Council and residents, citing concerns about land contamination, embankment stability, drainage, loss of habitat, and highway safety. Environmental considerations, including nitrate neutrality for the River Avon and River Test, and the New Forest Special Protection Area, are also critical factors. The officer's recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to a legal agreement to secure financial contributions for ecological mitigation and the self-build nature of the dwellings, alongside several planning conditions.

• Southern Area Planning Committee meeting details

Electoral Review Committee Considers Parish Boundary Changes

The Electoral Review Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to discuss draft recommendations from a Community Governance Review. The review considered proposed changes to parish boundaries and electoral arrangements across several areas of Wiltshire.

Purton, Braydon, and Lydiard Milicent: Boundary Adjustments Proposed

Significant proposals were discussed regarding Purton parish, including warding arrangements and a potential land transfer from Lydiard Milicent to Purton. The committee considered feedback on these proposals, which had generated considerable response, with many disagreeing with the proposed land transfer. A recommendation was made to transfer an area marked as 'A' from Lydiard Milicent to Purton, forming part of a new ward. This also included a request to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to align Electoral Divisions with the revised parish boundaries.

Lydiard Tregoze and Royal Wootton Bassett: Land Transfer Under Review

Proposals for land transfer from Lydiard Tregoze to Royal Wootton Bassett were also on the agenda. The committee was to consider the arguments for and against this transfer, taking into account electorate forecasts and potential development. Adjustments to ward boundaries within Royal Wootton Bassett town itself were also discussed.

Bishops Cannings and Devizes: Boundary Realignment and Transfers

The committee examined proposals for land transfer from Bishops Cannings to Devizes, and vice versa. Recommendations were to be made to adjust and rename wards within Devizes Town Council and to transfer small areas between Devizes and Potterne, and from Rowde to Devizes.

The committee also considered areas for future reviews, proposing to include parishes within the Southern Wiltshire, South West Wiltshire, and Stonehenge Area Boards for the 2026/27 Community Governance Review.

• Electoral Review Committee meeting details

Bradford on Avon Area Board Discusses Community Funding and Local Priorities

The Bradford on Avon Area Board met on Wednesday 8 July 2026, with a packed agenda focusing on community funding applications, updates from local organisations, and local highways and policing matters.

Community Projects Seek Funding

The board was scheduled to consider numerous applications for community funding. These included requests for start-up help for Westwood United YFC, resurfacing a MUGA court for Holt Sports and Recreation Committee, toilet refurbishment for Westwood Social Club, and a project called Riding on Rubber for the Bradford on Avon Community Area Network. Grants for older and vulnerable people were also on the agenda, with applications from the Grief Hub at The Hub at BA15, Our Time Project's Moving Stories initiative, and Wiltshire Music Centre's Music Tea and Togetherness concerts. Young People Grants were also to be reviewed, supporting initiatives from Might Girls CIC and Bradford on Avon Town Council's Youth programme.

Local Updates and Road Safety

The board was set to receive updates from various organisations, including BSW Together, Community First, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Wiltshire Money. Information on the Wiltshire Faith Communities Network, the Wiltshire Community Lottery, and the Connect to Work Programme was also to be presented. Neighbourhood policing updates and a road safety focus, including #FATAL5 education and Operation Drive Insured, were also key agenda items.

• Bradford on Avon Area Board meeting details

This week in Wiltshire:

Standards Committee Grapples with Rising Complaints and Constitutional Tweaks

The Standards Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, facing an increasing caseload of code of conduct complaints and discussing proposed changes to the council's constitution. The rise in complaints, particularly against parish councillors, highlights a growing tension within local governance, potentially impacting the effectiveness of community-level decision-making.

Code of Conduct Complaints Surge

Wiltshire Council received 29 code of conduct complaints in the last quarter, the third highest total ever recorded and the busiest quarter one on record. While the overall number of complaints is rising, the proportion progressing to investigation has not, suggesting more are being dismissed at the initial assessment stage. A significant 55% of these complaints were against parish councillors, with 24% against town councillors and 21% against Wiltshire councillors.

Henry Powell, the Democracy and Complaints Manager, noted that while the number of complaints is increasing, the council is meeting its targets for assessment and referral. Councillor Ruth Hopkinson observed that a breakdown of relationships within parish councils can lead to numerous complaints. The trend of increasing complaints, even if many are dismissed, places a considerable administrative burden on the council, diverting resources that could be used for other services.

• Standards Committee meeting details

Constitutional Changes Proposed

The committee also considered proposed changes to the council's constitution. Changes to Public Rights of Way procedures were recommended to Full Council, aiming to streamline processes by introducing a call-in system for local members to request consideration of orders by an Area Planning Committee. This aims to improve efficiency, though concerns were previously raised about a potential loss of democracy.

However, proposed changes to the Council Rules of Procedure, including reducing speaking times and enabling recorded votes for elections, were deferred due to documentation errors. These procedural changes, while seemingly minor, can impact the transparency and efficiency of council meetings, affecting how decisions are made and debated.

• Standards Committee meeting details

Area Boards Allocate Funds to Vital Community Projects

Wiltshire's Area Boards continue to be a crucial lifeline for local communities, with recent meetings focusing on distributing funds to a range of projects that directly benefit residents. These grants support everything from essential village hall repairs to community events and support for vulnerable groups.

Warminster Area Board: Supporting Local Initiatives and Community Needs

The Warminster Area Board met on Thursday 2 July 2026, considering a variety of community funding applications. Projects seeking support included the Warminster Community Orchard for information boards (£2,500), Corsley Reading Room for heating updates (£690), Codford Village Hall for a community workshop container (£1,500), and Warminster Bowling Club for an equipment storage shed (£3,000).

Crucially, the board also considered applications for youth and vulnerable people grants. The Warminster youth club applied for £5,000 for an SEN youth club and £5,000 for core costs, highlighting the need for specialised support for young people with special educational needs. These grants are vital for ensuring that community facilities remain operational and accessible, and that targeted support is available for those who need it most.

• Warminster Area Board meeting details

South West Wiltshire Area Board: Investing in Community Spaces and Support Networks

The South West Wiltshire Area Board met on Wednesday 1 July 2026, reviewing funding applications for projects across the area. Grants were sought for the Badges Fete (£3,000) to support village improvements, Sedgehill Village Hall (£3,465) for roof and kitchen renovations, and Chalke Valley Sports Centre (£5,000) for shower and water service refurbishment. These investments are essential for maintaining the infrastructure that underpins community life.

The board also considered applications for Older and Vulnerable Grants, including £1,000 for a Memory Support Project in Mere, aimed at supporting the significant number of older residents in the area. The Kindness Cupboards also applied for £1,000 to establish a community pantry in Wilton, offering free and subsidised food and broader support. These initiatives directly address the needs of vulnerable populations, providing essential resources and combating social isolation.

• South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting details

Malmesbury Area Board: Supporting Local Heritage and Youth Activities

The Malmesbury Area Board met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, considering a range of funding applications for local projects. Malmesbury Cricket Club requested £5,000 for new changing rooms, while Dauntsey Parochial Church Council sought £2,500 for their Bell and Clock Project, and Malmesbury Abbey PCC applied for £2,000 for the refurbishment of the Town Clock Chimes. These projects are vital for preserving local heritage and supporting community facilities.

The board also considered applications for Young People Grants, including £1,487 for Wessex Archaeology Ltd's Archaeology in Nature project and £2,000 for HEALS of Malmesbury's Summer Activity Programme. These grants ensure that young people have access to engaging and educational activities, fostering their development and connection to the local area.

• Malmesbury Area Board meeting details

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026, scrutinising the council's financial statements, audit progress, and governance procedures. The committee received updates on the progress of the 2025/26 statement of accounts, external audit reports, and internal audit progress, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve financial accuracy and risk management.

Progress on 2025/26 Statement of Accounts

The committee noted the progress made on the 2025/26 statement of accounts, with revenue outturn, capital financing journals, and asset revaluations completed on time. However, delays in receiving the Stone Circle group accounts and finalising the ledger were acknowledged. Despite these challenges, the draft statement of accounts was expected to be published by the statutory deadline. The committee also requested a further update on £4.4 million of grant income that was not correctly accrued, underscoring the importance of accurate financial reporting for all council activities.

External Audit and Rebuilding Assurance

Beth Bowers, Public Sector Audit Director at Grant Thornton UK LLP, presented the external audit progress report. The audit plan for 2025/26 focuses on rebuilding assurance over the council's financial statements. Wiltshire Council has been assessed as Category D under the MHCLG capacity assessment framework, indicating significant operational difficulties in achieving an ISA-compliant approach by 2027/28 due to major systemic problems. The audit trajectory anticipates a qualified opinion in 2029/30 and an unmodified opinion in 2030/31, with a six-year plan to rebuild assurance. This long-term plan highlights the deep-seated issues affecting the council's financial reporting and the significant effort required to regain confidence.

Internal Audit and Governance Procedures

Jessica Croman, Assistant Director at SWAP, presented the internal audit progress report, indicating a generally sound system of governance, risk management, and internal control. Two significant organisational risks, ICT Network Boundary Defences and ICT Disaster Recovery, have been mitigated. However, the risk of Business Continuity Planning remains, with a follow-up audit planned. The committee noted the Reasonable assurance opinion, indicating that while controls are generally effective, there are areas for improvement.

The committee also reviewed updated policies on Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery, Anti-Tax Evasion, and Anti-Money Laundering, ensuring these align with current legislation. These policies are crucial for maintaining the integrity of council operations and protecting public funds from misuse.

• Audit and Governance Committee meeting details

This week in Wiltshire:

Cabinet Navigates Financial Landscape and Charts Future Development with New Local Plan

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 25 June 2026, tackling crucial financial matters and setting the course for the county's future development by formally commencing the preparation of a new Wiltshire Local Plan. The decisions made have significant implications for the council's financial health and the long-term planning of our communities.

Financial Outturn and Capital Programme Review

Cabinet reviewed the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 fiscal year, noting an underspend of £4.721m in treasury management, largely due to favourable interest rates and lower-than-expected borrowing. While this is positive news, the council also grappled with a substantial overspend of £49.703m against Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets, primarily driven by pressures in Adult Services and Family and Children Services. This deficit highlights the ongoing challenges in providing adequate support for vulnerable children and families, potentially impacting the resources available for early help and community projects.

Significant adjustments were also made to the Capital Investment Programme. While the overall capital spend for 2025/26 was £200.995m, a reduction in the Council House Build programme from 1,000 to 500 homes was noted. This reallocation of £60.264m to the Refurbishment of Council Stock capital scheme signals a shift in housing strategy. The council also agreed to accept up to £14.701m in grant funding from Homes England to offset borrowing for future housing projects, demonstrating an effort to secure external funding for essential infrastructure.

• Cabinet meeting details

Laying the Groundwork for Wiltshire's Future: The New Local Plan

In a pivotal decision, Cabinet approved the commencement of the preparation of the Wiltshire Local Plan. This comprehensive plan will guide development across the county, incorporating crucial minerals and waste management strategies. Crucially, it will also address the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers, consolidating these requirements within the main Local Plan rather than a separate document.

This move aligns with new national planning regulations and aims to ensure an up-to-date plan is in place by 2029. The process will involve extensive public consultation, with delegated authority granted to officers to manage the various stages, from scoping to submission. The development of this plan is fundamental to shaping Wiltshire's future, influencing everything from housing availability and infrastructure development to environmental protection and economic growth.

• Cabinet meeting details

Devizes Area Board Supports Local Initiatives and Community Needs

The Devizes Area Board met on Monday 22 June 2026, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local communities through a variety of funding applications and updates. The board considered grants for vital projects, from village hall improvements to youth activities and support for older residents.

Funding Boost for Local Projects

The board had a substantial budget available for community initiatives, including £24,726 for Community Area Grants, £21,421 for Youth Grants, and £7,500 for Older and Vulnerable Grants. Several organisations put forward compelling cases for support:

• The Market Lavington Community Hall Management Trust requested £5,000 towards a replacement Ground Source Heat Pump Boiler. This investment will improve the hall's sustainability and reduce running costs, ensuring it remains a viable community hub.
• Potterne Village Hall sought £3,625 for a new fire alarm system, a critical safety measure for a well-used community facility.
• Easterton Village Hall applied for £2,544.90 for acoustic treatment, aiming to improve the experience for users of the hall.
• The Our Time Project requested £2,450 for Moving Stories, a special project for elders in Devizes, highlighting the importance of supporting the wellbeing of older residents.
• Spurgeons Childrens Charity Wiltshire Family Hub applied for £500 towards Community Street Sports, providing opportunities for young people to engage in healthy activities.
• West Lavington Youth Club requested £5,000 towards their club activities, ensuring continued support for local youth.
• Wiltshire Youth for Christ sought £1,500 towards a Devizes Summer Pop Up Youth Week in 2026, offering engaging activities for young people during the holidays.

These grants directly impact the quality of life for residents, supporting essential services and recreational opportunities.

Local Highways and Community Updates

The board also received updates on local highways and footpath improvements, with recommendations for speed limit reductions and pedestrian crossing assessments in areas like Bishops Cannings, Stert, and Rowde. These measures are crucial for enhancing road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.

Updates from Wiltshire Police, Community First, and other partners provided valuable insights into local safety and community development efforts. The board also highlighted the positive work of the Devizes Community Lounge / Youth Space, demonstrating the impact of council-supported initiatives.

• Devizes Area Board meeting details

Finance and Procurement Select Committee Reviews Year-End Financials

The Finance and Procurement Select Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to scrutinise the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year. The committee reviewed the year-end revenue outturn, capital investment programme, and treasury management activities, providing crucial oversight of the council's financial stewardship.

Revenue and Capital Outturn

The committee examined the final revenue financial outturn for 2025/26, noting a net underspend of £0.846m. This underspend is to be allocated to reserves for early help in children's and families services and community projects. However, the report also highlighted significant pressures in Adult Services and Family and Children Services, contributing to an overspend of £49.703m against Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets. This deficit underscores the challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and those requiring specialist educational support.

The Capital Investment Programme saw a total spend of £200.995m against a revised budget of £211.856m, resulting in an underspend of £10.861m. Key decisions included the merger of the Property Carbon Reduction and Park and Ride Solar Canopy schemes and the acceptance of grant funding from Homes England to offset borrowing against the Council House Build Programme. The reduction in the Council House Build programme from 1,000 to 500 homes and the reallocation of funds to refurbishing existing council stock were also noted.

Treasury Management and Forward Work Programme

The committee received the Annual Outturn Report for Treasury Management, confirming compliance with the approved strategy and noting an underspend of £4.721m. The committee also reviewed its forward work programme, ensuring ongoing scrutiny of the council's financial and governance arrangements.

• Finance and Procurement Select Committee meeting details

Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel Examines Force Performance and Victim Support

The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review the performance of Wiltshire Police against its strategic priorities and to discuss efforts to improve victim support. The panel examined progress on reducing violence, tackling crime, and enhancing the experience of victims within the criminal justice system.

Progress on Police and Crime Plan Priorities

The panel received a detailed report on the Police and Crime Plan, highlighting both successes and areas requiring further attention. While call-answering times and response to Grade 1 incidents showed improvement, overall crime had risen by 6.6% in the year to April 2026, with a notable increase in Swindon. Public confidence in the police saw a decline in perceptions of respect and understanding of local concerns.

Efforts to reduce violence and serious harm included a focused deterrence initiative and ongoing work to support children affected by domestic abuse. However, trends indicated an increase in knife-enabled crime and a rise in Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) crime, with a concerning decline in arrest and outcome rates for both. Rape and serious sexual offence reporting increased, but outcome rates remained fragile.

In tackling crimes that matter to local communities, initiatives like Taxi Marshal schemes in Swindon and Salisbury were maintained, but retail crime and shoplifting continued to rise. Road safety remained a concern, with an increase in fatalities and serious injuries.

Improving Victim Experience and Justice Delivery

The panel discussed efforts to improve the experience of victims through the criminal justice system. A new victim satisfaction survey has been launched, and work is progressing on Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). However, challenges persist, including high demand for specialist support, particularly for domestic abuse, and the impact of court capacity on the efficiency of the justice system. The panel was updated on efforts to improve file quality and case preparation to achieve better outcomes for victims.

The panel also received an update on the recruitment process for two co-opted independent members, emphasizing a commitment to merit-based appointments and transparency.

• Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel meeting details