Shropshire taxpayers likely to be asked to pay more for policing

Mr Longmore, who covers the West Mercia patch, said keeping bills as they were was an "easy option", but said freezing rates would only create further financial problems for the West Mercia force in the future.

He is considering asking for a near two per cent increase in the policing precept for 2015/16. It would mean people living in an average B and D property will have to pay an extra £3.65 per year in council tax.

Mr Longmore said it was needed to offset Government cutbacks which mean West Mercia Police has to find another £33 million in savings over the next five years.

Speaking in his new monthly newsletter, Mr Longmore said it had been a "very challenging but rewarding year".

"I have to give some serious thought to our financial plans, not just for the next year, but beyond that as well," he said.

"It's a difficult decision to make – deciding how much to ask council taxpayers to contribute towards local policing, and that decision certainly isn't any easier this year.

"There are a huge number of factors to consider. The latest estimates suggest we will have to find another £33 million in savings over the next five years, due to government cutbacks.

"It is with that medium-to-long term planning in mind, that I am considering a 1.99 per cent increase in the policing precept for 2015/16.

"It is the equivalent of an extra 1p a day on the average Band D bill.

"Keeping bills as they are would be the easy option for me – I've already said I'm leaving office in 2016 – but it wouldn't be the right and fair thing to do as far as anyone is concerned.

"Freezing rates this year would only create bigger financial problems down the line, both for tax payers, and the police. In four years time, it would mean having to find an extra £7 million from somewhere.

"That would mean even more savings from policing budgets, or council tax would have to go up – and by a significant amount.

"My priorities are making sure we get the absolute best local policing service possible, now, and in the long-term, and that that service represents real value for money.

"I can honestly say that I think this is the most responsible and sensible course of action in pursuit of those goals."

People are being urged to have their say on the hike proposals and have until 5pm on January 23 to do so. Either email opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or write to West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Freepost, Shrewsbury SY2 6WB

Meanwhile, thousands of police officers could be axed under Conservative cuts plans, according to analysis carried out by Labour.

The Metropolitan Police could lose between 1,300 and 5,200 to meet a black hole in funding, the party's assessment of House of Commons research suggests.

Gareth Thomas, shadow London minister, claimed there was a "real fear" that policing could return to an emergency only service.

But the Government insisted police reforms were "working" and said that crime had fallen by more than a fifth since the coalition took power.