PEOPLE in Hampshire face a council tax hike as the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes looks to plug the gap in the force’s budget.

Mr Hayes has asked the public to have their say on a potential 1.99 per cent rise in the force’s council tax precept – a rise of £3.07 a year for an average band D household paying council tax.

The increase would generate an additional £2m, the cost of employing 43 officers, he says.

Now Mr Hayes is inviting members of the public across Hampshire and Isle of Wight to have their say on the level of council tax precept for the policing budget in 2015/16.

Mr Hayes said: “With Hampshire Constabulary currently making significant changes to the way it operates, to enable it to make £80m in savings, due to government cuts that have already been imposed, it has never been more important to consult with the public over the policing element of the council tax precept.

“Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary recently announced that Hampshire Constabulary remains a low cost, well performing force and I question whether the constabulary can withstand any further cuts without it affecting the level of neighbourhood policing people expect. If we are to continue delivering the highest possible levels of service, and honour my commitment to protect neighbourhood policing across the communities of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, we must have the funding in place to do so.

“I am therefore left with no option but to propose a precept increase. I am inviting the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to play their part in this decision-making process by sharing your views with me.

“My message is clear – Hampshire Constabulary is your police force, it’s your choice – so have your say.

“Public opinion plays a vital role in helping me make an informed decision.”

People have until January 20 to express their view. Go to bit.ly/1vIIlsN, email pcc.con sultation@hampshire.pnn.

police.uk, or Freepost your response to: Business Reply Plus, Licence Number RTGX-KSAA-AHBB, Office of the Police and Crime Commission-er, St George’s Chambers, St George’s Street, Winchester, SO23 8AJ The results of the consultation will be presented to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday, January 23.