WEST Mercia Police Authority, which covers Herefordshire, has agreed a budget of £165.83 million - an increase of just under 15% - to allow the force to recruit more officers, combat crime and provide increased support for victims and witnesses.
The average Band D council taxpayer in Herefordshire will have to pay an extra 34 pence a week for police services, compared to the present year.
Police Authority chair Bob Foster said: "Members faced some extremely difficult decisions because it was clear that, with an increase in real terms of only 2.8% in the Government's financial contribution to policing in West Mercia, the main burden would once again fall on our local communities."
He added: "The budget increase of just under 15% will enable us to build on our achievements. We will now be aiming to increase the force strength by a further 16 officers during the coming year."
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