Hampshire and the Isle of Wight residents may have to pay more to fund local police services as part of plans for £9.9 million in new initatives and 36 additional officers.
Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC) for the region Donna Jones is proposing a precept increase which would see Band D council taxpayers contribute 5.45 per cent more, amounting to £15 extra per year.
The proposal has been endorsed by scrutiny body, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel today (2nd February 2026).
Donna Jones told the panel,
“If you look at the £15 increase that I am asking for, 62 per cent of our population will not pay that. They will pay a lesser amount because they are in bands A, B or C.
“A Band D property paying £15 extra is 36 extra pence a week – 36p a week for 36 extra officers which I hope you will agree is good value.”
92% support higher charge
During a public consultation ending in December last year, over 92 per cent of those who answered a question on the police precept supported a higher charge.
The PCC’s budget proposals include five more local bobbies, 16 more neighbourhood policing officers and a new fugitive team of 15 officers and three analysts to target high harm offenders.
There are also plans for investment in areas such as technology, forensic services, wellbeing support for frontline staff and estate.
A 4.2 per cent increase in funding overall
A PCC report says
“The budget and precept increase proposed represents a 4.2 per cent increase in funding overall that will enable the PCC to deliver on her key priorities of increasing police officer numbers and increasing police visibility.
“There are no increases to the majority of grants…which creates further funding pressures for forces.
“In considering whether or not to use her flexibility to increase the precept, the PCC has given due consideration to balancing the views of the public and also to the consequences of setting a precept lower than £15 for Band D.”
4,154 responses received
The document adds that the PCC carried out a public consultation online, with a total of 4,154 responses received over a four-week period which ended on 2nd December 2025.
Three top priorities identified by consultees were tackling anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime and burglary.
Article edit
3.25pm 2nd Feb 2026 – DJ comment added and outcome of panel added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
