DO YOU want to have your say on the future of policing in Hampshire?

Members of the public are being sought to join the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP), which will hold the new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to account.

The PCP will scrutinise the work of PCC Michael Lane and it will be consulted by him on his plans for the police budget and council tax.

Mr Lane, the Conservative candidate for the county, became Hampshire’s second PCC earlier this year when he beat incumbent Simon Hayes in the election.

Now two vacancies have arisen for residents in the county to join the PCP.

The body’s responsibilities include reviewing Mr Lane’s police and crime plan and reviewing and scrutinising his annual report, decisions, council tax proposals and his conduct.

They also have powers to make recommendations to the PCC about his appointment of senior staff and the Chief Constable, and to appoint an acting PCC if he is unable to fulfill the role.

The panel currently has 15 councillors from each of the local authorities covered by Hampshire Constabulary, while there are an extra three councillors to reflect the county’s political make-up.

And there will also be non-councillor roles, which will be recruited from the public.

Panel chair and Isle of Wight councillor David Stewart said: “A vacancy has arisen for two independent co-opted members to join the Panel. 

“The role of a panel member is an important and demanding one, and we are seeking committed and enthusiastic residents to serve as co-opted independent members from October 2016 for a four year term. 

“The panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and it would welcome applications from anyone eligible to be considered. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to get involved in and make suggestions for improvement to policing, community safety and crime issues within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Application forms are available at www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-pcp/pcp-independent-member.htm

The closing date for applications is August 29, with the formal appointments set to be made on October 7.