THE new police and crime panel for Essex has agreed to raise council tax.
The part of council tax which goes towards policing the county will increase by 3.5 per cent.
Police and crime commissioner Nick Alston asked for the increase to protect jobs and allow for more crime reduction initiatives.
The rise will cost a band D taxpayer £4.77 a year.
See the full story, reaction, and find out how each district council voted in Monday's Gazette.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here