West Mercia Police are also suffering the wrath of Government spending chiefs.

Whitehall has nominated West Mercia Constabulary for capping action in 2005/06 after it increased its council tax demand by 14.9 per cent this year. That followed an 18.1 increase in 2003/04.

Police chiefs have been given 21 days to formulate a response, after which the Government will cap next year's budget or set a "notional" budget for this year.

This means next year's council tax rise will fall in line with the increase expected by the Government for this year.

Chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, Bob Forster, predicted a "tight" budget for 2005/06.

He said: "In setting the budget in February this year, we were very conscious of the wishes of the people who live and work in West Mercia to see police services at least maintained at their current levels.

"I think I can say with confidence that the authority is very conscious of the Government's desire for continued prudence in council tax levels and I expect this to be reflected in a tight budget settlement for 2005/6. However, it would be inappropriate to comment further until the authority has discussed this matter."