ESSEX Police could soon become the poorest force in the country.

The county needs another 1,000 officers, based on the size of the population, but can’t afford them because the Government is cutting grants and residents in Essex pay among the least for policing.

For the past five years the amount of money given to the force and the amount of police officers has dropped while the county’s population has increased.

There are less than three police officers per 1,000 people in Essex compared to a national average closer to four.

With 1.4million people living here it means the county is about 1,000 officers below the average.

Even if you take out big city police forces the county is still trying to cope with about 500 officers less than in most similar areas.

To combat Government cuts some police and crime commissioners are pursuing large council tax increases but Essex commissioner Nick Alston will not do the same.

He said: “ To help offset the reduction in central government grant, my intention is to seek an increase in the policing precept of just under two per cent.

“This would raise about £1.7 million.”

Residents in a band D property currently pay about £146.43, the second lowest of any shire county.

If agreed residents in 2015/16 will pay about £149.50.

In Surrey the request is for a 24 per cent increase, in Bedfordshire 15.8 per cent.

For these sort of increases a referendum, costing up to £3million, would be required.

Mr Alson said: “My judgement is using millions of pounds of public money on such a referendum is not justifiable at this time.

“But I do believe seeking an increase is the right and responsible thing to do.”