SURREY’S Police and Crime Panel has approved a 1.99 per cent increase to the force’s share of the council tax bill, as proposed by police and crime commissioner David Munro.

The policing element of the council tax for the financial year 2017/18 has now been set at £224.57 for a Band D property which amounts to an extra £4.38 on last year’s figure, or 8p a week.

A public consultation was carried out between November and January in which over 2,100 people answered a survey with their views on the proposed rise in precept for policing. Of those who responded, 65 per cent were in support of the increase.

PCC David Munro said: “As the elected representative for the people of Surrey, I want to ensure that taxpayers pay no more than is absolutely necessary for an effective policing service.

“However, I also have to strike a balance with giving Surrey Police the sufficient resources to keep the county’s residents safe. Asking the public for more money is never an easy option and I can assure you I have not taken this decision lightly.

“I believe this rise will help put the Force in a stronger position to continue supporting the objectives of my Police and Crime Plan, pursuing offenders, protecting the vulnerable and preventing crime and disorder.”