WOULD you pay an extra £1 a month for policing? This is the question Bridgwater residents are being asked by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens will be addressing the issue at a series of drop-in events tomorrow, ahead of making a decision on next year's budget.

PCC Mountstevens said: “I am always conscious many residents are struggling with bills and I never take a decision to raise the policing part of the council tax lightly.”

Avon and Somerset Police are proposing an increase of 6.6 per cent in the police precept for the coming year, equating to £1 a month per household.

Ms Mountstevens will be in Angel Place Shopping Centre in Bridgwater between 1pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, January 10 to discuss the issue.

Ms Mountstevens has been making the case for more funding for the police for a long time now, and in September she sent a letter and report co-signed by her Chief Constable Andy Marsh to the Police and Fire Minister, Nick Hurd, saying the force was facing a 'tipping point'.

Since the Government’s first comprehensive spending review in 2010, the force said it had made savings of £65 million and has 655 fewer police officers. And by 2021/22 Avon and Somerset is also having to find another £17 million in savings.

The force warned that the demand upon diminishing police resources was increasing and growing in complexity – from the threats of terrorism, organised crime and exploitation and abuse.

Last year over 50,000 police hours were spent on dealing with mental health and missing people inquires.

Ms Mountstevens said: “We have reached the point where enough is enough and policing in Avon and Somerset cannot be stretched any further.

“When the Government say there is ‘extra policing on the ground’ this does not mean we are magically given additional officers to increase our numbers.

“I was supportive of the announcement of a rise in public sector pay. However, without the Government providing any additional finance this causes even more significant strain to our stretched budget.

“We estimate this will cost approximately £1.1 million and without better real-terms funding protection from the Government, this is more money we have to find. It’s important that the Government know what we face locally and understand the consequences of our current situation and the implications on the service we are able to deliver as a result.”

If you cannot make it along but want to contact PCC Mountstevens email pcc@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk or call on 01275 816377.