CONSERVATIVE party chiefs today accused the Government of shifting the burden for funding North Yorkshire police to the taxpayer.

According to a new research document published by Central Office, the police charge in the council tax bill has rocketed by 244 per cent since 1996.

The increase - the largest in England and Wales - has seen bills rise from £45.40 to £156.

Only the Metropolitan Police now charges more per band D property, according to the Tories. Other police authorities have limited their rise since 1996.

Northumbria has seen a 39 per cent increase, and West Midlands and Northumbria 56 per cent. The average growth was 127 per cent.

A Tory spokesman said: "Under this Government, there has been a marked shift towards funding the police through the council tax payer. What is more, whilst the burden has increasingly been shifted to the local taxpayer there has been a concerted campaign of centralised command and control."

The Tories, seeking to capitalise on the fear of crime in tomorrow's local elections, said the increased charges must bring results.

A Government spokesman said it was up to police authorities to set their own precept.

But he added the extra cash was paying for record numbers of bobbies on the beat, which was what the public wanted to see.

Updated: 12:16 Wednesday, April 30, 2003