Ludlow MP Philip Dunne in precept rise anger

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said there was no need for taxpayers to be asked to pay more when West Mercia's reserves stood at £49.5 million. He has written to Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore calling on him to justify the 1.99 per cent increase.

Mr Longmore has defended the move, saying it will generate an extra £1.7 million per year which will be spent on frontline policing. He said the increase was roughly in line with inflation and worked out at an extra 7p per week for a band D household.

Police chiefs set the rate for the precept, which is paid by council tax payers. Money raised helps to fund the force's annual budget.

It comes as police leaders are trying to find £21.8 million of savings over the next five years due to cuts in Government funding. Several police stations have closed in recent years and a partnership has been set up between West Mercia and Warwickshire Police to pool resources.

Mr Dunne said although the police should be praised for making savings, there was enough in reserve to prevent such a rise.

He said: "West Mercia Police have done some sterling work, in particular through its joint efforts with Warwickshire, to extract efficiency savings while preserving frontline capability and cutting crime.

"But I was concerned to learn the authority has built up significant reserves over the last few years, which now stand at around £49.5 million, one third more than when the Police and Crime Commissioner took office.

"At a time when household budgets are tight, local residents will not welcome any increase in outgoings.

"I have written to challenge the commissioner to justify this increase."

Mr Longmore said: "By asking people to pay a little more I can protect frontline policing over a longer period of time."