TAXPAYERS are being asked to pay more for policing from April.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston is hoping to increase the council tax precept for policing in Essex by 3.5 per cent.

This would cost the average band D Essex taxpayer £5 extra a year.

The extra money would be the equivalent of what is needed for 57 extra police officers.

Mr Alston said: "Essex Police has a below average number of police officers and PCSOs given the size and population of our county, and the seventh lowest number of police staff.

"I believe that the majority of people in Essex will be prepared to pay a little more in council tax to help ensure that we have a strong police force.

"But of course I recognise that for some finding even this modest amount will be difficult."

 

Essex Police is facing £78million in cuts when comparing the amount it received from Government in 2010 to the amount the county will get for policing by 2016.

In 2014/15 the force has to find at least £8.4million in savings.

Essex taxpayers currently pay the fourth lowest out of the 35 shire police forces for the service.

The proposal will be presented to the Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday, January 29, in Chelmsford.