Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones calling for feedback before setting force precept

NEW Forest residents are being urged to have their say on police funding before the force sets its annual budgetary charge.

The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is calling on people to share their views during a consultation before she sets the force’s Council Tax precept rate.

The consultation runs until 10th December, with people able to give feedback online or by filling out survey forms from local libraries.

Ms Jones said: “This survey aims to gather your views on whether there should be an increase in the level of council tax which you pay in support of policing, to ensure continued investment in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

“Inflation pressures remain higher than the government target. The biggest pressures on police budgets are police officer and staff wage increase and the cost of items such as fuel and the purchase of police cars and uniforms. These items have increased the costs of running the police force over the last 12 months.”