PLANS to hike the amount of tax people pay towards policing in Hampshire will be put under the spotlight this week.

The county’s police and crime boss Simon Hayes wants to put up bills by almost two per cent in order to enable Hampshire police to continue to provide the same level of service it currently does.

The contentious issue will be addressed at a public meeting this Friday and follows a public consultation to gauge the views of residents before Christmas.

The proposed rise could be 1.99 per cent – less than an alternative option of three per cent that would have forced a referendum in the county that would have cost around £2.1 million.

Mr Hayes will speak about the proposals at the police and crime panel taking place in Winchester on Friday but is keen to stress no decision has yet been made.

If a three per cent rise was approved it would see council tax for a typical Band D property go up by an average of £4.72 a year.

Householders across the county still have time to make their feelings known as the survey will officially finish today.

It also asks people to share their views on where Hampshire police resources should be spent and what residents feel is important to their police force.

The results of the online consultation as well as other issues will be discussed at the panel meeting and members of the public are asked to attend.

Mr Hayes said: “The purpose of the Police and Crime Panel meetings is to hold my decisions to account; indeed, they have the statutory responsibility to consider my budget proposals for Hampshire Constabulary. On Friday, 22 January, the panel will be reviewing my decisions for the precept, following the extensive public consultation over recent weeks.”

Anyone is welcome to attend The meeting which will take place at 10am in the Ashburton Hall in Winchester.