West Mercia's police commissioner says raising the police precept by nearly 10% was “not a light decision”, but insists it is in line with consultation feedback.
John Campion will put his 2019-20 budget before the oversight panel next week.
Ahead of that meeting, he has published more than 200 public comments left online and says three quarters of survey respondents support the rise.
In his report he says his proposed increased is one of the UK’s lowest and “all of the additional money will go directly into delivering additional officer numbers”.
Mr Campion proposed a rise of 9.94% in the police precept, which is collected alongside council tax.
The rate for Band D homes will go up £19.59 to £216.66 a year.
A consultation on the proposal ran from December 17 until January 20.
In total, 344 people filled in the survey: 142 from Worcestershire; 124 from Shropshire; 42 from Telford and Wrekin; and 31 from Herefordshire.
Eighty-seven said they were opposed to the proposals, while 257 supported them. Comments were left by 217 of those questioned.
Summarising, Mr Campion writes: “Twenty-two respondents, seven supporting the proposal and 15 opposed, focused on the need for more central government funding for policing, criticised the government or thought the money should come centrally, not from local taxes.
“Comments from 12 people supporting the proposal were focused on rural crime; many considered this was an area needing more attention.”
Addressing the precept rise, he said: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but I believe it is in line with the clear weight of community feedback I have heard.
“My track record as commissioner shows I have delivered the lowest increases to the police’s share of council tax across England and Wales in each of the last two years.
“This year, my proposal remains one of the lowest increases nationally.
“I am not recommending the maximum possible council tax rise because I do not believe it is necessary and I am ensuring that all of the additional money raised through tax increases will go directly into delivering additional officer numbers in West Mercia.”
Mr Campion will be questioned about his budget when he meets the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel in Worcester on Thursday, February 7.
The comments are due to be published under the “About your PCC” section of www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk
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