AN MP has called for an increase in police funding to ensure there are more bobbies on the beat in Tendring.

Clacton MP Giles Watling wants the Government’s cap on increases to the police’s portion of the council tax bill to be lifted to pay for more frontline officers.

The maximum the police precept can be increased – without triggering a countywide referendum – is two per cent.

But Mr Watling, who lobbied the Home Secretary Amber Rudd in the House of Commons, has asked the Government to scrap the cap.

Mr Watling said: “Essex Police do an incredible job, not just here in Clacton, but across Essex.

“However, having had a number of conversations with the Tendring district commander and Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, it is clear additional funding is required to fund frontline officers.

“I am delighted the minister has agreed to meet with me and other Essex MPs to discuss the possibility of increasing the amount of funding the police receive through council tax, which will address this funding issue.

“Currently, if the police want to increase their element of funding through council tax above two per cent, there has to be a referendum.

“This is a costly process and the residents I have spoken to support the idea of increasing funding, but do not wish to have a costly referendum when that money could be better spent – on policing for example.”

Mr Watling will meet with Nick Hurd, Minister of State at the Home Office, to discuss the issue alongside other Essex MPs.

Mr Watling added: “One of the benefits of lifting the cap would be an increase in police numbers. I want to see an increase in visible policing in Clacton town centre.

“I wouldn’t mind putting in an extra £10 a year to give us adequate policing – and I’m sure many residents feel the same.”

Halstead Gazette: MEETING: Roger Hirst will be present at the meeting in Halstead's Queens Hall

  • Roger Hirst, Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Roger Hirst, Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said Essex is one of the most “tightly-funded” forces in the country.

He added: “I regularly hear at public meetings that people would be willing to contribute more to policing to get a better service.

“Raising the contribution made through local council tax is a practical way to achieve this but unless the cap is removed this will only raise a limited amount of extra funding.”

Mr Hirst said that he intends to undertake a public consultation later this year to ask residents how much extra they would be willing to pay for policing.