North Yorkshire's police watchdog is reaching out to residents through community panels and the internet on the sticky issue of how much they will have to pay for the county's police.

Members of North Yorkshire Police Authority have started planning for the 2004/2005 budget and have pledged to consult local communities during open meetings and with online questionnaires.

Last year's controversial 76 per cent rise put an extra £13million in the pocket of Chief Constable Della Cannings who said she would use it to revitalise the force.

It is estimated that an extra £4.4million will be needed to continue providing the existing level of service.

Ms Cannings will now face members of the public at a series of meetings across the county in December to tell them how the money is being spent and policing delivered.

Speculation has already begun on the scale of next year's rise, which will be announced in February, with one report estimating it could be as much as 54 per cent.

However a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary suggested it could be closer to ten per cent, adding less than a pound to the weekly charge for an average household.

Ms Cannings said: "There are opportunities to build on last year's budget, where a substantial injection of money was given to North Yorkshire Police for investment in the service."

Councillor Carl Les, chairman of the Police Authority's community engagement board, said the police service is likely to face some "difficult choices", with the possibility of a reduced Government grant.

He said: "We will be robustly scrutinising current police expenditure to ensure that the Force is making efficient use of existing resources. It's a wonderful opportunity for local people to influence the direction of this valuable emergency service and to have a real say in what type of service they want."

Residents can view the questionnaire at www.nypa.org.uk or volunteer to join a focus group by phoning Sue Evers on 01765 641839.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, November 14, 2003