Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner will, on Friday, recommend a Band D £15 per year police precept rise to the Police and Crime Panel.

Michael Lane says there has been 'significant support' from the residents of the Isle of Wight and Hampshire - and the hike has also been backed by the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary.

On January 29, Mr Lane will present his intention to increase the policing precept, to raise an additional £10m for Hampshire Constabulary in 2021/22.

Arguing that there was a 'compelling operational case', he said: "I firmly believe the police precept increase will keep local residents and our communities safer...and is the only option."

Last week, the County Press reported that Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney was backing the recommendation, revealing what the money would be spent on.

Mr Lane said: "The Chief Constable has set out an operational recommendation for the £15 increase that would enable the force to reduce crime by taking the fight to criminals and keep our communities safer.

"In her recommendation to me, the Chief Constable has stated that anything other than this increase would fly in the face of operational evidence.

"The Hampshire Police Federation, the Hampshire Police Superintendents Association and Unison have all also given their backing to an increase this year to support policing and the continued wellbeing of officers to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities."

Meanwhile the role of Police and Crime Commissioner is up for election in May, if the voting process goes ahead as planned.

It was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, giving Michael Lane a further year in the position.