RESIDENTS are urged to have their say on proposals to increase the police precept of the council tax.

Police and crime commissioner Michael Lane is urging residents to ensure they have their say on the level of contribution they are willing to make towards the cost of local policing.

This year, the Government has given police and crime commissioners the flexibility to set the policing precept of the council tax for 2021/22 from £0 up to a £15 increase (7.1 per cent) based on Band D properties.

In an earlier survey this year, police and crime commissioner asked local residents from the Hampshire Constabulary policing area if they would support an increase. To date, 58 per cent are in support of an increase.

A 2.5 per cent increase (10p per week) would enable the chief constable to maintain what was achieved last year. An increase above this, up to 7.10 per cent (29p week based on a Band D property) would enable the force to build on what has been achieved, take the fight to criminals and to start to reduce crime.

Mr Lane would like more residents to take part in the survey by going to https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90301695/policingbudgetsurvey.