CONSULTATION has been launched on how much the public should pay for policing in North Yorkshire.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan has asked the public to have their say on the police precept, which comes from council tax.

More than half (55 per cent) of North Yorkshire Police’s funding comes from the Government, but the remaining 45 per cent is paid for by residents.

Mrs Mulligan said: “North Yorkshire is the safest place in England and our police do a good job. But like everywhere, we have our challenges. When I asked the public to help set priorities for the police, they said that providing an exceptional local service whilst tackling emerging crimes, like online fraud and harassment, was on top of their list.”

Three options are available for consideration. Under the first, the precept will be frozen, meaning the public will not pay any extra, making it more difficult for police to pay for services.

The second option is to increase the precept by 1.99 per cent - an average of about eight pence per week extra on current council tax levels - which will raise just over £1.2m next year.

The third option is to increase the precept by more than 1.99 per cent, which would raise more money, but will require a public referendum costing at least £700,000.

A leaflet explaining the decisions available will be available in libraries and police stations in the new year, or you can download it now.

The consultation deadline is January 11. To have your say, phone 01423 569562, email pcc@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk or go to telljulia.com or write to FREEPOST RTCL-AGAE-TRTS, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, 12 Granby Road, Harrogate, HG1 4ST.