PEOPLE have been asked how much they are prepared to pay for policing - more or the same.

The costing for police has increased by the rate of additions to precept, but the number of officers has reduced by 300 plus. This saves about £10 million annually.

The new pay increases from 2013 indicate all new officers are paid £4,000 less than the established officers, but then it becomes £6,000 because of employer contributions. That is an estimated saving of £3 million to date.

What I do not understand is why North Yorkshire Police insist on engaging volunteers to boost policing rather than using Specials. The number is short of 150, but at some time was 300.

In 2013/14, the precept was reduced to £56 million from £61 million, resulting in a government grant of £5.7 million ongoing.

Over the last five years, North Yorkshire Police’s gross income has increased by £17.1 million, so why not have full-time officers?

P Richardson, York Road, Haxby, York