Mayor's share of council tax to rise by more than twice the inflation rate

London mayor Sadiq Khan is set to increase his share of council tax by more than twice the inflation rate to fund the recruitment of an extra 600 police.

The announcement sparked a backlash from City Hall Tories who accused the mayor of wasting more than £100m on unnecessary staff and free travel perks for the friends and families of TfL employees.

Mr Khan, who is standing for re-election in May, is taking advantage of a change in the rules which cap the amount local authorities can levy on council tax payers.

His share of council tax - known as the precept - will increase from £320 to £332 for the average Band D household. The rise amounts to an extra 22p per week.

The Conservatives claim to have identified savings which would allow the mayor to recruit 1,600 police officers and cut council tax bills.

The mayor's council tax bill is in addition to a separate amount levied by individual London boroughs.