POLICE bosses say they have gained significant support to increase the policing element of council tax by £2 a month.

Police and crime commissioner, Michael Lane, said he has gained significant public support for the proposed increase to support local policing.

More than 6,500 local residents were consulted across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. Of those who answered the question on how much they would be willing to pay, 76 per cent support a £24-a-year increase.

The funding will be used to recruit and retain 200 officers and more police staff investigators.

The recommendation has also gained support from Hampshire Constabulary chief constable, the Hampshire Police Federation, UNISON and Neighbourhood Watch.

Mr Lane will now present the £2 per month as his recommendation for the council tax precept for 2019/20 to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday January 25.

Mr Lane said: "Listening to, and responding to, the people I represent, is a core part of my role and the views expressed as part of my consultation have helped to inform my proposal for an increase in the policing element of the council tax. I would like to thank all of those people who took part and gave me their views.

"The consultation has shown that the community value the police, and that they recognise that the service is stretched and in need of additional resources."

Chief constable, Olivia Pinkney, said: "The constabulary has been consulted and supports this budget. We are particularly delighted that so many members of the public have also expressed their support for policing. I would like to say thank you to every one of them.

"Many criminals deliberately operate away from the public eye. They cause misery themselves and create the conditions for young and vulnerable people to get involved in drugs, violence and lower level crime. This has a very visible impact on our communities. These plans set us on the right track to tackle this."

However, local residents expressed their concern over continued lack of appropriate funding from the government. The commissioner will be putting this to the Minister as he continues to lobby for a fairer funding formula.