Would you pay more for extra police in Essex?

Essex Police Credit: Press Association.

Essex could get an extra 150 frontline police officers - if a proposal to increase council tax is approved.

Roger Hirst, the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, wants to add an average of £12 to the policing precept.

It follows an agreement by ministers that authorities could potentially charge more to help boost their funds.

Roger Hirst, Essex Police, Fire and Police Commissioner Credit: Essex Police.

A meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel next Monday (January 22) will discuss the commissioner's proposal. If approved it could mean:

  • 150 more frontline officers in local policing teams - bringing the total number of officers to at least 3,000 by the end of 2018/19

  • 75% of money raised through increased policing element of council tax invested in local services

Essex Police Credit: Press Association.

Mr Hirst said Essex had the lowest funding per resident of any force in the country.

In total, the council tax precept rise will raise an extra £7.524m for Essex Police while a further £3.5m in potential savings have also been identified.