HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s share of East Hampshire residents’ council tax bills will increase by £10 for a Band D property this year to pay for more police.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones had her budget backed by the county council’s police and crime panel.

She said: “Although £10 a year might not sound like much, for struggling families that’s money that can’t be spent on food, or puts them further into debt. But we’re going above and beyond to pay for the 600 extra police officers I promised.”