Lincolnshire police council tax precept rise

Marc Jones is proposing a near-maximum increase in the policing precept

Lincolnshire's police and crime commissioner (PCC) has proposed increasing the policing proportion of council tax bills.

Marc Jones has requested a rise of £12.96 which is just four pence off the maximum permitted increase.

It would mean Band D properties would pay £304.20 in the next financial year, up from £291.24.

The increase would be about 25p more a week.

Mr Jones said the proposal reflected "careful consideration" after a consultation last year.

The rise in the policing precept of council tax bills would amount to 25p more a week

In his report, the PCC said the force will still face a budget gap of £10.1m even if the increase is accepted and talks with the Home Office about additional funding are ongoing.

The budget documents also warned Lincolnshire Police will have to use cash reserves to balance the budget for 2024/25 and the force will also identify savings to reduce its expenditure over the next three years.

Despite the financial warnings, the report said there will be investment in "emerging technology" such as AI to "apprehend criminals faster than ever before" and an expansion of roads policing.

Lincolnshire's police and crime panel, attended by councillors from across the county, will discuss the PCC's budget and precept on Wednesday.