POLICE bosses may increase their council tax precept by almost two per cent next year – a hike that would add £3.65 to an average band D property.

A consultation has begun on the proposed 1.99 per cent rise for 2015 to 2016, which West Mercia Police believe is "right and fair" in light of budget cuts from central government.

Projections suggest the force will have to find a further £33 million in savings in the next five years.

Bill Longmore, police and crime commissioner for West Mercia, said: “This isn’t a proposal I have arrived at lightly but I feel that to freeze bills this year would only store up more problems down the line for everyone.

“Either millions more would need to be saved from policing budgets in the coming years or council tax would have to go up, very significantly, to maintain a good level of service.

“Freezing the rates this year would leave a further financial hole of around £7m in four years time.

“So, it’s with that medium-to-long term planning in mind, that I am considering a 1.99% increase in the policing precept for 2015-16.”

If agreed, the increase would add an extra 1p a day to the average band D bill.

Mr Longmore added: “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. I hope people will understand that.

“My priorities are making sure the public gets the absolute best local policing service, now, and in the long-term - long after I step down as PCC - 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 trying to achieve those goals.

“I cannot stress strongly enough though, that this is not a final decision. I realise there are also some strong arguments both for and against increasing the police precept and I genuinely want to hear your thoughts on the subject.”

A consultation on the proposed rise is open until 5pm on Friday, January 23.

Anyone wishing to send their comments can either email opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or write to the police and crime commissioner's office.