THE COMMITTEE that scrutinises Hampshire police have agreed an increase in the police share of residents council tax bill.
The Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP) has backed an increase of 3.12 per cent increase, which will see Band D council tax payers pay an extra £5 a year.
This will see the police share of council tax rise to £165.46 a year for those in Band D.
On January 27 panel members learned from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire, Michael Lane,that the increase was needed to maintain policing in the county.
Chairman of Hampshire’s Police and Crime Panel, Councillor David Stewart, said: "The panel supports the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposed increase in the Council Tax precept for 2017/18 which we believe will help meet the current and evolving challenges facing officers in keeping our communities safe, tackling issues such as cyber-crime and ensuring that police premises are fit for purpose and more efficient.
"We are satisfied that the increase is appropriate to maintain an effective level of policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the next financial year, whilst at the same time acknowledging the continuing financial pressures.”
The panel is made up of members from all the local authorities in Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council and the 10 other Hampshire borough and district councils.
Two non-political members also appointed to add to the collective spread of experience and knowledge.