Anger today erupted after it was revealed that Essex Police will get just an extra £5million from the Government.
The latest funding increase of 3.25 per cent will not be enough to cover police spending, said Essex Police Authority chairman, Robert Chambers.
It will mean an increase in the police precept - the part of the council tax levied on all households to help pay the bill each year for policing the county.
Castle Point Tory MP Bob Spink bitterly attacked the grant, announced by Home Secretary David Blunkett.
The Government said the increase was sufficient to cover inflation but Mr Spink said he was "shocked" by the "poor settlement".
He agreed with Robert Chambers that the money will not be enough to cover police spending. Mr Chambers said: "I am disappointed this is not enough for a stand-still budget.
"It will mean a rise in the police precept in council tax of seven per cent which equates to 10 pence a week per council taxpayer."
Published Thursday November 20, 2003
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