THE Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon (OPCC) has cost taxpayers £140,000 less than the former Wiltshire Police Authority, according to a report by a pressure group.

Costs of the 41 PCC offices in England and Wales were compared by the TaxPayers’ Alliance for the financial year 2013-14 to the cost of the police authorities they replaced.

The study shows that the Office of Wiltshire and Swindon PCC Angus Macpherson cost £140,289 less than the former Wiltshire Police Authority in its final year, a drop of 16.2 per cent.

This compares to an average increase in costs across the 41 offices in England and Wales of £46,638 (up 5.4 per cent).

Mr Macpherson said: “Since my election I have been working to reduce the cost to the public in Wiltshire and Swindon of the governance of the police. I am proud that the cost of governance was £140,000 less in 2013-14 than in the previous year.

“The money saved has been used instead to fight crime and support the victims of crime.

“There has also been a reduction in indirect costs caused by tying up senior officers in interminable meetings. Through my fortnightly Board meeting with the chief constable and senior officers, I make the decisions required without tortuous debate through a committee system.

“Under the old system, the improvement and costs savings programme of the last three years could not have moved on in the way it has. Since my election we have saved £5m.

“Unlike the former police authority I am directly accountable to the public. I make myself available through a hectic programme of public engagement and consultation right across the county.

“A recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary showed that Wiltshire Police was performing well and providing good value for money for the taxpayers of Wiltshire and Swindon.

“I am pleased that The Taxpayers’ Alliance has recognised the savings we have achieved.”