Essex residents are being promised better policing in exchange for an inflation-busting council tax rise.
In a budget expected to be approved next month, the police part of the tax will go up seven per cent, equivalent to 13p a week for Band D homes.
Essex Police Authority chairman Robert Chambers defended the move, saying: "It will lead to a better police service.
"We've asked what people want, and they want more visible policing."
The proposed budget includes £500,000 for 45 more police and community support officers (PCSOs).
Published Friday January 23, 2004
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