COUNCIL tax payers in North Yorkshire could be set to bear the brunt of Home Secretary David Blunkett's newly-announced priorities for the county's police force.

Jane Kenyon, chairman of North Yorkshire Police Authority, warned today that, unless Mr Blunkett's demands under the first National Policing Plan, unveiled in Harrogate yesterday, are backed by extra government cash, council tax bills could be set to rise.

Mr Blunkett told police authority chiefs that forces must make street crime, burglary, drugs, antisocial behaviour and car crime the top priorities in their three-year local policing plans.

But Coun Kenyon, whose authority is already facing a tough financial position, has warned that without extra funding meeting the new targets could have a "high local price tag".

She said: "We welcome the way in which the Home Secretary's national plan gives clarity to the Government's objectives for policing. We also support the general thrust of the reform proposals in providing a basis for improvements in the service.

"However, unless the Government provides the money to pay for all things which police authorities and forces will be required to do, then either we just can't do them or the cost will inevitably fall upon the local council tax payer."

Concerns have also been raised that the national plan could restrict local forces in addressing local priorities.

Coun Kenyon welcomed Mr Blunkett's announcement that he was continuing the £30 million rural policing fund.

Updated: 12:01 Thursday, November 21, 2002