HAMPSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has defended his expenses claims after a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The watchdog is now deciding whether to investigate allegations of criminal conduct that relate to allegedly fraudulent claims for trips to the Isle of Wight by Simon Hayes. He said: “My travel arrangements are organised and paid for by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, so I have no reason to claim money back for travelling.”

“The only personal claims I make are for mileage related to journeys in my car. Occasionally, I claim for parking. I don’t claim for food or other entitlements.”

“Visits to the Isle of Wight are either by Red Jet, when I leave my car in Southampton or when I need to travel extensively around the Island I take my own vehicle and use the car ferry. This is the most cost effective way.

“I don’t know the origins of this complaint, as the complainant in the matter hadn’t contacted me before informing the media, so we will have to spend some time looking back at the exact meetings and travel arrangements being referred to.

The IPCC said: “The IPCC has received a referral from the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel relating to a complaint about the PCC’s expense claims.

“The referral will be assessed to determine whether there should be an investigation involving the IPCC.”