Residents could face an increase of up to 20 per cent in the police precept - seven times the rate of inflation - to bolster funds to pay for bobbies on the beat.

The double-figure rise would come on top of last year's controversial 76 per cent figure, the largest police tax increase in England and Wales.

North Yorkshire Chief Constable Della Cannings has presented three options for next year's budget to the Police Authority, which has its fingers on the county's policing purse strings.

She wants to bring in even more cash to pay for wholesale modernisation of the force and a continued push for better results, spearheaded by the Operation Delivery frontline policing drive. But the cash-strapped police force could face even tougher decisions if next year's central government settlement for policing the county, which was being revealed later today, was lower than expected.

In a report, Ms Cannings said: "It is vital to build upon the opportunity afforded by the 2003/2004 budget settlement and continue to build a platform for the delivery of medium and long-term strategies and plans.

"It is vital that the impetus is gained to modernise North Yorkshire Police to meet the increasing and demanding challenges for improved performance - governmental or in quality of service locally."

Some reports have speculated that the Government could cut funding to rural police forces and redirect it to inner city areas blighted by violent crime.

Over the past year North Yorkshire Police has invested in community support officers, automatic number plate recognition technology, legal case building teams and extra front line and back office staff.

The three options presented to the Police Authority are:

1) A "standstill budget" rise of ten per cent bringing in £4.4 million at a cost of an extra 30p per week for an average band D household, bringing the precept from £156 to £171.58.

2) A "required growth" budget increase of 15 per cent, at a cost of 45p per week for an average band D household bringing the precept from £156 to £179.41. This provides extra community officers, station opening hours and IT systems.

3) A "significant growth" settlement of 20 per cent at a cost of 60p per week for an average band D household bringing the precept from £156 to £187.20. Residents are promised less road casualties and a range of efficiency gains.

Updated: 10:52 Wednesday, November 19, 2003