THERE will be an extra 474 new police community support officers on Kent’s streets over the next two years, thanks to a police budget increase.

Members of the Kent Police Authority unanimously agreed the 4.95 per cent increase for the coming year at their latest meeting.

The increase, which makes up 10 per cent of the overall council tax bill, will give a policing budget of £247.3m for the next year. It will mean just over 10p a week extra for a Band D householder.

Members agreed the rise saying it would help fund extra officers and because they had agreed smaller increases in recent years.

As a result, during the next two years the authority and the Government are jointly funding an extra 474 new PCSOs.

There will also be increased staffing for Kent Police’s protective services to combat organised terrorism, major crime and policing roads.

KPA chairwoman Ann Barnes, told the meeting: “I think there are very few efficiency savings we can make from now on. The cupboard is bare.

“There are very often hard choices to make, but we are where we are and I think we all agree that we have to find resources to expand so we can stand alone as a strategic force.”

Members said they were disappointed with this year’s government funding, receiving half the requested amount.

Kent Police had already found cuts of £3.5m, with the authority investing £1.7m from its reserves.

After the meeting, Mrs Barnes said: “We are getting such a lot for that small amount.

“Although it is just over 10p a week for a Band D taxpayer, that increase is never something we take lightly. It was a hard decision, but it was the right one.”

Kent Police Chief Constable Mike Fuller, who had urged members to set the maximum precept they felt they could, said afterwards: “In the last three years we have absorbed a substantial increase in demand for our services, without commensurate growth in resources.”

“I am certain that the best decision for the people of Kent would be for Kent Police to remain a stand-alone force.”