WILTSHIRE Police Authority says tough decisions will have to be made after its 2005/6 revenue budget was agreed.

Bosses say they believe the £92.6m budget will enable Wiltshire Constabulary to deliver a high quality service.

However, they say difficult choices will still have to be made as the cash is prioritised.

In order to fund the budget, the 2005/6 council tax element for policing services will equate to £126.63 for Band D properties an increase of 4.98 per cent or £6 from the previous year.

The authority said the funding will provide additional training and development to police officers and police staff, improvements and investment in forensic science capabilities, and developments within IT to enhance the linking and sharing of information.

It includes efficiency savings of £1.58m to be gleaned by making the most of new technology. Savings will also be made by employing additional civilians to free up police officers to spend more time on frontline duties.

To fund the new budget, the police authority intends to use around £430,000 from reserves, which is only possible for this financial year.

Some of the items covered within the 2005-6 budget include additional support to the Domestic Violence Partnership and investment in a new vulnerable persons suite at Salisbury.

Bertie Woolnough, chairman of the police authority, said: "During recent months, crime levels in Wiltshire, including Swindon, have been the lowest of any county in England and Wales.

"This is excellent, and reflects our commitment to drive down crime even further. The authority recognises that this level of performance, which we aim to improve still further, requires appropriate investment and rigorous monitoring.

"We feel this budget will help us to deliver a high quality service which is accessible, visible and provides reassurance to communities in Wiltshire."

This sum will be added to the Swindon Council tax which was agreed by the cabinet last week but still needs to be agreed by the council on February 21.

The cabinet approved a three per cent rise.

Anthony Osborne