THE chief constable of North Yorkshire Police has said that even an inflation-busting rise in the police's share of the council tax could leave a massive hole in the force's accounts.

Della Cannings has told North Yorkshire Police Authority that even an increase of five per cent would leave a £3 million deficit in the force's budget for 2007/8 which would have to be filled using cash reserves.

The authority is now set to ask the public whether the precept should be increased by three per cent, four per cent or five per cent or whether the increase should be lower. A three per cent increase would see a Band D householder paying an extra £5.40 per year, while people would be £9 a year worse off if the increase was five per cent.

Jane Kenyon, chairman of the authority said it was important the police force keeps its share of the council tax increase to a minimum. She added it was now one of the best-performing forces in the country, but that "it is important that these standards are maintained and in some areas improved".

Over the last two years North Yorkshire Police Authority has increased its council tax precept by the lowest amount of all the authorities in England and Wales although this followed a huge increase of 76 per cent in 2003/04.

A consultation questionnaire on the precept increase can be obtained by telephoning North Yorkshire Police Authority on 01765 641839, e-mailing nypa@btconnect.com or visiting www.nypa.org.uk. The deadline for completed questionnaires is Friday, February 2.