Council tax rise mooted for police in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
It'll pay for almost 200 new officers
People in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could be paying an extra ten pounds on their council tax to help fight crime from April.
Plans for a 4.4% increase to the precept to support policing and prevent crime have been unveiled by the area's Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones.
The rise would place an extra £10 per year on the bill for the average Band D household.
Almost two thirds of those who responded to the a consultation set up by the PCC said they would agree a 4.4% increase to support policing and prevent crime.
It is hoped the increase will raise an additional £9 million for Hampshire Constabulary in 2022/23, which would help to support a range of initiatives such as:
Those new initiatives include
• The recruitment of 196 new police officers for Hampshire Constabulary and the enabling infrastructure, which supports the delivery of the PCC’s number one priority to have 600 more police officers by 2023 and the priority of improving police visibility
• An additional £1m in 2022/23 to support increased commissioning of services to deliver the Commissioner’s priorities to improve outcomes for victims and prevent young people from committing crime
• Significant investment in both staff and supporting infrastructure for the 101 service to reduce call waiting times and to provide improved feedback
• Investment in the police estate to ensure it remains operationally effective and provides a modern and safe working environment for police officers and staff
Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones said,
“I would like to thank local residents and partners for taking the time to give me their feedback through my consultation.
"With the significant support I have received and the Chief Constable’s operational recommendation, I will present my intention to the Police and Crime Panel to increase the police precept by £10 per annum this year.
"This will help to support the delivery of the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan ‘More Police, Safer Streets’ including the recruitment of 196 new police officers; improvements to 101 to reduce call waiting times and improve feedback; modern, improved and safe police buildings, and additional commissioning funds to prevent crime, divert young people away from crime and improve services for victims.
"These will all help to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight two of the safest places to live, work and visit without fear of crime”.