RESIDENTS who are living in a band D household will be subject to a five per cent increase in the police precept for the forthcoming financial year.

South Wales Police and Crime Panel agreed the rise saying the move would allow modest investment into protecting vulnerable people and maintain neighbourhood policing.

The rise equates to an extra £10.39 per year or 20p a week.

Police and crime commissioner, Alun Michael said: “The increase is essential to help maintain the service, while allowing us to protect vulnerable people and invest in the future of policing in South Wales.

"Central government is continuing to cut the grant to police forces.

Our grant has been cut by £2.2million.

"The impact of this cut is far higher when we factor in additional burdens such as the apprenticeship levy and increased pension costs.

“We have made tough decisions for a number of years in relation to how we deliver our services and our effective forward planning, combined with the innovative way in which we work with partners to keep South Wales safe, is why we are able to continue to meet financial challenges.

“We have taken a balanced approach to soften the impact on policing our communities, while keeping the burden on the rate payer to a minimum.”

The precept proposals were also supported by the Police Federation, which represents officers.

Mr Michael added: “South Wales remains the best value for money police force in terms of the cost to council tax payers in Wales.

“The force has consistently improved its performance and service to our communities and is recognised as one of the best performing forces in England and Wales.

“The precept increase will allow police officer numbers to be maintained, while funding from Welsh Government will enable the force to keep an additional 206 more PCSOs on the streets of South Wales.”

Mr Michael said he was committed to protecting and maintaining neighbourhood policing while continuing to invest in new technology to improve the way it works, as well as leading to efficiency gains.

He said: “We now put a far greater emphasis on early intervention and prompt positive action to divert offenders away from a life of crime and enhance the services we provide to victims.”