THE average city household will be asked to pay an extra 50p a month for policing after a precept increase was backed by councillors.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion revealed he wants to put up the amount we are asked to pay for policing in the region by an extra £8.54 to £225.20 - a rise of 2.94 per cent.

The precept increase will mean an extra £14 million is spent on policing next year.

The budget proposals were backed by the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel at a meeting at County Hall last week.

Mr Campion said the increase in tax would protect the number of officers, support a continued reformation of the force and allow extra investment in tools for police officers.

The almost three per cent increase in the police's precept comes after a ten per cent rise last year.

Mr Campion said: “I made a commitment to the communities of West Mercia that I would create a budget with them in mind.

“I promised to ensure that West Mercia Police was as efficient and effective as it could be before asking for any more money, and that any investment was focused towards the ultimate goal of keeping people safe.

“When communities have spoken, I’ve listened.

“They want an increase in police visibility and they want reassurance that the force is taking crime types such as anti-social behaviour, burglary, county lines and dangerous driving seriously.

“Through this budget I am able to deliver on that by providing the force with the tools and resources it needs in order to tackle these crimes.

"I will hold the chief constable to account to see that improvements are delivered.

“I will also continue to support West Mercia Police and ensure they are in the best possible position to tackle crime and keep communities safe.”