Households will pay £5 a year more for police

The Sussex Police and Crime Panel has agreed that a 3.4 per cent increase was necessary to ensure communities are kept safe, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, pictured, has confirmed.

It will mean Band D households will pay an additional £5 per year.

The panel was told this will help to deal with the increasing challenge of using digital forensics to investigate crime as well as further enhance police capability to tackle child exploitation and abuse of all kinds.

Speaking after the meeting, panel chairman Councillor Brad Watson said: ‘Like all other forces and local authorities, Sussex Police has to find ways to deliver a comprehensive service with less money. The force is one of the lowest funded forces in the country and we felt the increase was necessary.’