Proposal to increase Hampshire police's council tax precept is agreed

PLANS to increase the police's council tax precept have been approved, meaning people will pay more for their services.

Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, presented the proposal to the Police and Crime Panel in Winchester yesterday.

This will see people pay more for policing through an increase by 1.99 per cent, which for an average B and D council tax payer is an extra £3.13 a year.

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Mr Hayes said: ‘Following the historic cuts and despite significant savings made, the budget is still greatly reduced.

‘I must ensure that the budget for policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight reflects what our residents expect from their constabulary.

‘Feedback from members of the public across the two counties shows that the majority are in favour of a 1.99 per cent rise in the precept.

‘We will continue to provide this essential and efficient service, which has been shown as good value for money to residents.’

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The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2015 said the government expected Police and Crime Commissioners to increase the precept by up to 2 per cent.

Councillor David Stewart, panel chairman, said the increase would protect 108 officer jobs and help equip the force to tackle key issues such as cyber crime, child sexual exploitation and domestic violence.