THE strain on Surrey taxpayers is set to increase further, after Surrey Police became the latest authority to reject the Government's council tax freeze grant and increase its share of council tax.

At a public meeting in Godalming on Monday, the Surrey Police Authority agreed to decline a one-off Government grant (equivalent to a three per cent increase in its share of council tax), and instead increase its demand on taxpayers by two-and-ahalf per cent.

Members reasoned that to accept the freeze grant would leave the force with a budget shortfall of around £2.5m annually. They said an increase in council tax was the only way to safeguard frontline police officers.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.