Kent Police Authority freezes council tax precept

The Kent Police council tax precept has been frozen for 2012-13.

Kent Police Authority unanimously voted to accept a government grant of £2.2m rather than reject the grant and increase council tax in the county.

The government will fund 68% of the Kent Police budget next year and the council taxpayer will fund 32%, chairwoman Ann Barnes said.

She said the authority was confident the force would continue to deliver its savings plan.

Kent Police is in the second year of a programme to save £50m over four years.

Ms Barnes said: "The authority has debated this year's council tax and all members agree that we should freeze it.

"A one-year grace will help hard pressed families and this decision means that those who are struggling are not burdened with anymore financial worry."