Front line policing is saved from the axe by precept bill (From Warrington Guardian)

Front line policing is saved from the axe by precept bill

THE number of officers patrolling Newton's streets will not be cut, after Merseyside Police Authority agreed a five per cent increase in its portion of the council tax.

During a budget meeting on Thursday, police chiefs decided to make a series of one-off payments and increase the amount of money people contribute to policing in their council tax payments by almost £4.

The borough's rising police precept is the latest bid to cover a £12.7m spending shortfall over the next 12 months and prevent axing front line officers and support staff jobs.

As a result, the majority of people in Newton will be paying £77.12 per household for policing services, five per cent more than last year.

Bill Weightman, chairman of the authority, said: "A lot of hard work has gone into balancing the budget to ensure that the extra officers we have promised to the people of Merseyside will still appear.

"But with the decision we've made, police numbers are safe, council tax payers are happy and we have not exceeded the Government's recommended precept increase.

"The challenge the authority now faces is to work on getting a more reasonable settlement next year if we are to protect the future of policing on Merseyside."

According to the authority chief, the precept rise follows Government failure to discuss the borough's financial burdens and pressure to keep the force's costs in line with Britain's other forces.

But force officials are concerned this small increase may have long term effects, with pensions accounting for 17 per cent of total spending, higher than all authorities across the country.