THE POLICE’S share of the council tax is set to increase despite objections from members of the Dorset Police and Crime Panel.

A proposal to increase the precept by 1.96 per cent in 2014/15 has been considered by the panel this morning.

Although nine members of the panel voted against the rise and just seven voted in favour, a total of 12 votes were needed to veto the proposal from Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill so the increase will go ahead.

The rise will take the police precept up by £3.60 for a Band D mid range property to £187.11.

Mr Underhill said: “I would like to thank the Dorset Police and Crime Panel for supporting my precept proposals and everyone who has taken part in our precept consultation.

“The budget I will now be setting will secure the additional recruitment of sixteen new police officers, 300 body worn cameras for officers across Dorset, a cyber-crime awareness campaign and seven rural community vehicles.”

He added: “My decision to recommend raising the precept has not been made lightly.

“The 1.96 per cent option represents the best balance between sustaining the force and seeking to limit the impact on council tax payers, in the context of reduced central funding.”