COUNCIL tax payers on the Isle of Wight could see a hike in their annual bill to help meet the cost of policing.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner, Michael Lane, will propose a £12 per year increase in the amount a Band D household pays for policing when he attends the Police and Crime Panel next Friday.

The move follows the government's announcement that precepts should rise to fund police budgets.

Mr Lane said the results of his own survey showed residents were willing to pay more towards policing.

With demand for police services on the Island increasing, amid a significant rise in crime last year, Mr Lane stressed the constabulary's need to negate much of the £10 million deficit in its budget.

He said: "I routinely ask the public their views on policing. Over the last few months I have asked residents how much they would be willing to pay towards policing.

"The consultation showed our communities are very supportive of our police force and, as such, are willing to contribute a greater amount.

"This helps us to respond to the continuing pressures from demand and changed criminal activities."

The £1 per month rise for a Band D household will, however, mean 61 per cent of council tax payers living in Band A to C properties paying proportionately less.

Mr Lane added: "Even with this increase, the constabulary will still need to make savings in the next financial year - and in the years to come.

"With demand on the police continuing to increase and change, it is clear there will be a continuing need for innovation and development - a continuing journey to transform our police service that is modern and operationally effective."