Proposals to increase the amount Suffolk residents pay for the police by £15 a year have been put to the public.

A survey on a draft proposal to increase the policing portion of council tax by the maximum amount possible was launched by Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) today.

PCC Tim Passmore said: "Sadly, our funding from government is just not enough – as has been the case for several years now.

Tim Passmore with Rachel Kearton

"Suffolk is one of the lowest-funded forces in the country and faces significant challenges.

"Without the proposed increase, there is a significant risk of a reduction in service and the constabulary will simply not keep up with the increased demands placed upon it.

"I feel I have little choice but to propose the full increase to maintain the level of police service in the county. All other options have been exhausted.

"The chief constable has advised me that the additional funding generated by the proposed increase is essential to maintain an efficient and effective service, and provide the resources needed to manage demand as effectively as possible."

The £15 annual increase will be for a band D property – with other property bands increasing in-line with this.

Extra policing resources required

The additional income will increase the policing budget by £3.9 million.

The survey went live today and will close at 9am on January 26 – ready for PCC Passmore to ask the police and crime panel to approve his final proposal on January 27.

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said: "At a time when demands on policing are growing exponentially it is essential that the constabulary is equipped to deliver a high-quality service and ensure Suffolk continues to be a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest."

Chief Constable Kearton suggested the money could help the constabulary to devote extra resources and technology to victim services, an area the inspectorate recommended for improvement.

The survey can be found here: https://suffolk-pcc.gov.uk/news/precept-survey-pcc-proposes-increase-in-precept-to-fund-constabulary-in-2023-24.

Those unable to take part in the electronic survey can write to the PCC with a clear 'yes' or 'no' answer to the question: Do you agree with my proposal to increase the policing element of the council tax for 2023/24 by 29p a week (based on a Band D property)? Further comments can also be included.

The written response needs to be delivered by 5pm on January 25.