RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on the amount of support given to policing through council tax.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has called for residents to take to an online survey to give their views on whether there should be an increase in the level of council tax which residents pay in support of policing, to ensure continued investment in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The online consultation, which can be found at Precept 2024/25 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Online Survey, will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, December 10, with paper copies also available at local libraries.

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Ms Jones said: “As police and crime commissioner, I’m responsible for the policing budget and I also represent the public in how policing priorities are set and how they are delivered, so I need the public’s thoughts and feedback in order to make these key decisions.

“For the last financial year, the increase in council tax funded the recruitment of 50 more police officers, in addition to the 600 new police officers I pledged when I was elected as police and crime commissioner two years ago.

“These 650 extra police officers signalled the force’s biggest ever recruitment drive, and to support this increased police visibility, I also announced the opening of 10 new police stations and front counters over the next 18 months as well as bringing back named ‘Local Bobbies’ across our communities.

“How much the public wants to contribute to policing for the next financial year helps me to ensure that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary delivers the service that you expect so your views on where you want your money to be spent and the crimes that matter to you the most are vital."

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The biggest pressures on police budgets are police officer and staff wage increases as well as the cost of items such as fuel and the purchase of police cars and uniforms. These items have increased the costs of running the police force over the last 12 months.

Earlier this year, the government announced a seven per cent pay rise for police officers and police staff.

Additional funding to help with some of the cost of the pay award has been provided however there is no additional government support for the high inflation increases on non-pay expenditure.

Contributions are based on a band D property. To check your council tax band, visit Check your Council Tax band - GOV.UK.