THE Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire has proposed an increase to the force’s share of council tax which will pay for 24 new officers.

Julia Mulligan recommended an increase in the precept by 1.99 per cent, the equivalent of eight pence a week or £4.07 a year for a Band D property.

She said the increase would help maintain the number of police officers on the street.

Last year, Mrs Mulligan and Chief Constable Dave Jones agreed to increase the number of officers from 1,270 to 1,392, and the precept raise will fund 24 of the posts.

Funding for the remainder of the roles will come from up to £10 million in savings planned around the organisation.

The increase has now been put to public consultation.

Mrs Mulligan said: “I am doing my best to ensure that North Yorkshire Police has the resources and police officers it needs to keep people safe.

“The public has been clear that police officers on the beat are their number-one priority.

“ Everyone now has a chance to say whether or not they accept the cost of this at an average of just over £4 a year per household.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal should go to northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk and click the ‘precept’ button.

Alternatively phone 01423 569562, email info@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk or write to Freepost RTCL-AGAE-TRTS, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, 12 Granby Road, Harrogate, HG1 4ST, before January 31.