High Peak residents will pay more tax to fund police services after controversial plans were approved.
The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel has given the go-ahead to a 1.96 per cent hike in the policing element of the council tax.
The increase was recommended by Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Alan Charles.
The changes mean a Band A householder will fork out an extra £2.14 per year while a Band D homeowner will pay an additional £3.21 annually.
Mr Charles said the rise will bring in an extra £1m – enough to protect the jobs of 20 frontline officers.
The Government intends to slash Derbyshire Constabulary’s budget by 20 per cent over the next four years.
Mr Charles said the hike was “the way forward in maintaining frontline police officer posts which are so crucial to protecting the public”.
He added: “If we didn’t increase the precept now it would lead to a further fall in police numbers.
“The council tax increase – which amounts to less than a penny a day for taxpayers – will help to offset some of the challenges that Derbyshire Constabulary face as a result of Government cutbacks.”
Mr Charles was elected Derbyshire’s PCC on a £75,000-a-year salary last November.
His deputy, Hardyal Dhindsa, a Derby City Council councillor, earns £56,000-a-year.
• Are you happy paying more tax to fund police services? Have your say by emailing news@buxtonadvertiser.co.uk.
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