Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is calling on Isle of Wight residents to make sure they are part of the annual police budget precept conversation. The online survey is gathering views on whether there should be an increase in the level of council tax which residents pay in support of policing, to ensure continued investment in Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. The biggest pressures on police budgets are police officer and staff wage increases as well as 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. Earlier this year, the government announced a 7% pay rise for police officers and police staff. Additional funding to help with some of the cost of the pay award has been provided however there is no additional government support for the high inflation increases on non-pay expenditure. PCC Donna Jones has said:
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I’m responsible for the policing budget and I also represent the public in how policing priorities are set and how they are delivered, so I need the public’s thoughts and feedback in order to make these key decisions. “For the last financial year, the increase in council tax funded the recruitment of 50 more police officers, in addition to the 600 new police officers I pledged when I was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner two years ago. “These 650 extra police officers signalled the Force’s biggest ever recruitment drive, and to support this increased police visibility I also announced the opening of 10 new police stations and front counters over the next 18 months as well as bringing back named ‘Local Bobbies’ across our communities. “How much the public wants to contribute to policing for the next financial year helps me to ensure that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary delivers the service that you expect so your views on where you want your money to be spent and the crimes that matter to you the most are vital.”
Proposed Council Tax Precept Increases – 2024/25
| Council Tax Band | Police Council Tax Precept | Increase Band D +£5 pa | Increase Band D +£10 pa | Increase Band D +£15 pa |
| A | 167.64 | 170.97 | 174.31 | 177.64 |
| B | 195.58 | 199.47 | 203.36 | 207.25 |
| C | 223.52 | 227.96 | 232.41 | 236.85 |
| D | £251.46 | £256.46 | £261.46 | £266.46 |
| E | 307.34 | 313.45 | 319.56 | 325.67 |
| F | 363.22 | 370.44 | 377.66 | 384.89 |
| G | 419.10 | 427.43 | 435.77 | 444.10 |
| H | 502.92 | 512.92 | 522.92 | 532.92 |
The online consultation, which can be found at https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90633344/Precept2024-25, will close on Sunday 10th December. Paper copies are also available at local libraries. (Contributions above are based on a band D property so you will pay less if your property is a band A-C and more if it is a band E-H)
