HAMPSHIRE police and crime commissioner Michael Lane has joined forces with the Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney to highlight a funding shortfall that could threaten future police services.

New analysis has shown that despite early indications of strong support to ‘maximise’ an increase in council tax precept, Hampshire’s police force would still face a £23million shortfall by 2021.

The force has well-developed plans for a further £10million of efficiencies, but this leaves a £13million gap per year by 2021. That sum is dwarfed by the under-funding of Hampshire Constabulary compared with other forces.

Independent figures from Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) show the force receives £44.8million less funding than the average police force each year.

Hampshire Police have managed the situation to date by being at the forefront of innovation and efficiency, largely through partnership and technology. This efficiency has been independently recognised by HMIC in both 2015 and 2016.

The underfunding will become too much of a limitation in future years, and so action is being sought now to address this national inequality.

Mr Lane said: “Local people and Hampshire Constabulary are continuing to play their part. However, since 64 per cent of my policing budget comes from central government, via a national formula, the best local efforts are not enough.

That’s why we have written to the policing Minister to explain the current situation, and to underline the urgent need to see through his very welcome commitment to end the £44.8million of inequality that threatens police services for the people of Hampshire.

Mrs Pinkney added: “This is a good force with a proud track record and officers who care deeply about the public they serve. As Chief Constable I have a duty to highlight any risk to policing services well in advance.

“Our analysis makes very clear that without fair national funding risk to services will in future reach unacceptable levels.”