PEOPLE in average Band D homes in Somerset will pay £3.41 more for their police service this year.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel has backed Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens’ budget plans for 2015/16, which include a 1.99% rise in the police part of the overall council tax bill.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary says the rise in the policing precept will be accompanied by savings of just over £13m which have to be found next year.

The force says a public consultation showed support for a council tax rise.

Ms Mountstevens said: “Next year we’ve had to find significant savings and asking residents to pay a little more will help us reduce the impact of that and protect frontline services.

“We know from asking people that residents are willing to pay a small amount more for policing and this increase works out at around 6.5p each week on an average bill.

“It’s a small amount but will make a big difference in helping keep people safe and feeling safe.

“I’m grateful to the Panel for approving my budget and have spoken with them today about the financial challenges we anticipate in the future.

“By 2018/19 an additional £40m in savings will need to be found and we’ll have to look for more creative ways to do what we do now but with fewer resources. Increasing the policing precept today is a step towards bridging that gap.”

The Police and Crime Panel oversees the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner but is independent of Ms Mountstevens’ office.