AN increase of more than 11 per cent increase has been agreed in the Dorset Police share of the council tax.

The figure, which will add £2 a month to an average household bill, will only result in a small increase in the number of officers at a time of rising overall crime.

The force may also need to increase its borrowing during the coming year while cash reserves are down to a level which the Police and Crime Commissioner admits causes him concern.

Martyn Underhill told yesterday’s county police and crime panel that, in reality, the increase represented a stand-still budget. Much of the increased income from the precept will be swallowed up by pension and pay awards the Government agreed – but did not fully fund. The panel heard that it was likely that only six further officers would be added to the county’s 1,200 with a similar small increase in the number of civilian staff.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has previously warned that the existing staffing levels mean that some offences might not be dealt with, claiming that the force was now stretched beyond reasonable limits. He told the meeting it was almost impossible to make further savings when the cupboard was bare. There was almost palpable shock when the panel heard that at any time there was only likely to be 120 front line staff on duty across the whole county. The figures was extrapolated from a national study which senior officers said had been arrived at by a sound methodology. The extra money to be raised from the council tax, about £7.8million, will help counter a reduction in income elsewhere – although Cllr Mike Byatt, disputed claims that there had been cuts in Government funding to the force.

Mr Underhill: said “This increase won’t serve up a cash bonanza. It will only allow for a small margin for growth.”

For the ‘average’ band D property the increase will see the police share of the council tax go up from £206.58 to £230.58.

Savings and efficiencies during the coming year should add an extra £1million to spend on an Innovation Fund which will see extra support to the rural and marine crime units, improving road safety and providing more help to homeless people.