HAMPSHIRE Chief Constable Andy Marsh is appealing to East Hampshire residents to make their views known ahead for a government review into police funding.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Hayes is also asking residents to complete a consultation survey that will influence how police forces are funded by central Government.

Their appeal comes after the Home Office announced that it will be revising the policing funding formula, which determines how much government money police forces get.

In a joint statement, Mr Hayes and Mr Marsh said: “The proposed changes to police funding must lead to a fairer system than the current model.

“Hampshire Police currently loses out by £10m, which means fewer police officers to keep people safe. These plans look like making it even worse.”

Since 2010 Hampshire Police has cut spending by £80m to make up for less government funding.

This has resulted in the loss of 600 officers, with another 400 posts potentially facing the axe, says Hampshire Police Federation, who represents police officers.

The Home Office proposal is out to consultation until Tuesday, September 15.

To complete the survey visit the PCC’s website www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk and click on the the ‘Get Involved’ section.

Alternatively, comments can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

For more information contact the PCC’s office on 01962 871595.