PCC Donna Jones seeks residents’ views on police funding

Visible patrols in communities. More police stations and front counters. A named Local Bobby for every neighbourhood. A new Fugitive Team.

These are some of the improvements delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in recent years with the support of local taxpayers.

Now, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is asking residents whether they would be willing to contribute a small increase in council tax to help strengthen local policing further for the year ahead.

Around 42% of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s budget comes directly from council tax with the remainder contributed by central government.

However, the money provided by central government funding has not risen in line with inflation, leaving local taxpayers to fund the gap to maintain policing services.

Policing faces increasing costs for salaries, technology, buildings, vehicles and operational equipment. To put that into perspective; to hire, train, pay and provide equipment for one police constable costs around £60k per year.

Over the last five years, with support from local taxpayers, the Commissioner has ensured Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has the highest number of police officers in over a decade, more police stations open to the public, and a Local Bobby for every community.

PCC Donna Jones said: “Residents have been clear about what they want from policing. Officers they can see, police stations they can access, and a service that responds quickly when they need help.

“However, the government has not committed to funding Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary in line with the rate of inflation, and instead is putting the onus on local taxpayers to foot the bill.

“I want to ensure Hampshire & Isle of Wight residents not only retain the improvements that have already been delivered but also have the opportunity to have the very best in the neighbourhood policing, public access and crime-fighting capability.

“This consultation gives residents a direct say in the level of investment they believe is right for their communities.”

The consultation will help inform the policing budget and council tax precept for the next financial year.

The survey is open until 11.59pm on Monday 7 December 2026.

Take part here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91285315/Precept-2027-28

What have my previous contributions paid for?

Over the last five years, taxpayer support has enabled the recruitment of 851 more police officers and has helped reopen more police stations to the public. The extra contribution made by taxpayers last year has funded a new Fugitive Team and 21 more local neighbourhood police officers. It also boosted forensic capabilities to ensure more criminals are brought to justice.