THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has launched a survey seeking the public view on increasing council tax to pay for police funding increases.

Anthony Stansfeld is asking the public whether they back an increase in the police element of the worth £24 a year for a band D property.

Earlier this week it was revealed that £8.6m of cash would filter through to the region following the Home Secretary's announcement of more police funding would be raised by tax increased.

Announcing the new survey, Mr Stansfeld said: “The TVP budget has been cut by £101 million over the last eight years which has resulted in significant cuts to police officer and staff numbers.

READ AGAIN: Local police funding rise of £8.6m will be funded by council tax

"This year the Government has encouraged all PCCs to raise the policing element of the council tax precept for all households.

"To prevent further damaging cuts to policing and restore some important frontline policing capability I would like to raise the council tax precept accordingly."

Explaining rising demand nationally and in the region, Mr Stansfeld added: “My focus will continue to be on delivering strong neighbourhood policing for all of the communities across the Thames Valley whilst addressing the serious threats and hardship posed by criminals."

He also said costs were rising for pay and pensions.

The extra cash generated from the proposed increase in council tax will be spent on operational policing, likely to include an 'increase in local frontline policing'; 'improving investigation capacity'; 'improved contact management'; 'increasing digital capability' and sustainable funding for the capital programme'.

The survey and more background information can be found by visiting https://bit.ly/2PODW9s.