COUNCIL tax payers face a hike in bills to fund more bobbies on the beat under a new police funding settlement.

Surrey Police is in line for a £14m funding boost if Tory Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro takes advantage of a Whitehall decision allowing him to double the council tax precept from £12 to £24 for a Band D property.

Policing minister Nick Hurd has lifted the current precept cap, giving PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D Council Tax bill by up to £2 a month – the equivalent of around 10 per cent across all bands. In Surrey, every one per cent in the police precept equates to around £1m in additional income.

It was announced that in addition, the government will increase the general core grant and provide extra funding to help forces cover the cost arising from changes to the government police pension scheme.

PCC and former Farnham councillor David Munro said: “Our police service has been operating in a very difficult financial climate with resources stretched to the limit so this announcement is particularly welcomed.

“Alongside my PCC colleagues across the country, we have been pressing central government for additional funding so I am particularly pleased to see an increase in the police grant which will help forces meet the cost of the government pension changes.

“I now have a very important decision to make in terms of what I propose for next year’s precept in Surrey. While I must ensure we provide an effective police service that keeps our communities safe, I must also balance that with being fair to the taxpayers of this county.

“I do not take that responsibility lightly and I can assure residents I will be considering my options very carefully indeed. I will be consulting with the public in the next few weeks and I urge everyone to take part in our survey once it is launched and give us their views.”

? News of the potential rise in precept came as Surrey chief constable Nick Ephgrave announced he was to leave the force, following his appointment as an assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Ephgrave is due take up his new post early next year when the current deputy chief constable Gavin Stephens will assume the responsibilities of temporary chief constable for the county.

Mr Munro confirmed a “thorough” selection process to appoint a new chief constable would take place “in due course”.

Mr Ephgrave has been chief constable since December 2015, initially in a temporary capacity until receiving the role permanently in July 2016.

Under his watch, Surrey Police has struggled with budget cuts. Crime rates reached their highest level for a decade in 2017/18, although the force was upgraded to “good” from its “requires improvement” rating in 2015.

Mr Munro said: “I would like to place on record my thanks to Nick Ephgrave for the outstanding leadership he has shown in the two and a half years he has served as chief constable in Surrey. His dedication to public service, professionalism and no-nonsense approach will ensure he leaves a lasting legacy and strong foundations in place for whoever succeeds him.”