Lease is increased, we hear (4)

I believe the answer is:

hire

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'lease' is the definition.
(I know that lease can be written as hire)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for hire that I've seen before include "Engage (taxi)" , "Pay to use something" , "Rent or lease" , "Payment for use" , "Pay for temporary use" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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