Taxpayers are being asked whether they would be prepared to pay more towards funding the police service.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner, is asking council tax payers whether they would be willing to pay a higher policing precept, in order to keep a similar level of service against a background of cuts from central government.

The consultation, which runs until Thursday, January 28, asks what residents think about the proposal to raise the amount they pay by nearly 2pc next year. For a Band D property, this equates to roughly 7p per week.

Mr Passmore said: 'Suffolk Constabulary faces significant financial challenges in the coming financial years. They also face radical changes across the policing landscape.

'The government's financial settlement for Suffolk, announced last month, was based on the assumption that I will take advantage of my power to increase the policing element of the council tax.

'I appreciate this is an additional burden on council tax payers, but I intend to use the £830k created by the precept rise to fund 20 police officers and three PCSOs to work specifically in schools across the county.'

To take part in the online survey, go to: www.suffolk-pcc.gov.uk or write to Suffolk Constabulary, Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, IP5 3QS. The survey closes at 4pm on January 28.