Pay more and help the police proposed

Lincolnshire police aims to raise an extra £2.7m next year by a 5.8 per cent rise in council tax.

Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones has revealed his proposed budget for the year and the rise would equate to 23p a week on a band D home.

The increase appears to have support in the county as respondents to consultation said they were prepared to pay more to protect the thin blue line.

Almost 3,000 people returned a questionnaire and in every tax band the most people opted for the greatest increase.

“We do face some tough challenges in the years ahead and if we cannot find solutions it is hard to see how we can maintain service levels,” said Mr Jones (pictured).

“I am delighted we have been able to provide a balanced budget that will allow the chief constable to maintain officer numbers for the next year,” he added.

The total budget of £118m includes nearly £1m for victims’ services and £1m in crime reduction projects.

The funds will enable the force to retain its current 1,100 officer and up to 120 PCSOs.

The budget also includes provision for significant investment in a new command and control system for the police.

The total tax increase for the coming financial year also includes the district and county council along with any parish precepts.

The figures for neighbouring Norfolk will be revealed on Tuesday.

But, whatever the outcome, the chief constable has announced the role of PCSO will be axed.

“The organisational cost of a PCSO is no longer significantly different to a PC,” said Simon Bailey.

Cambridgeshire has also been consulting with residents on next year’s budget and a survey closed on Monday of this week.