Suffolk Police's portion of council tax for residents in Felixstowe and neighbouring villages is set to increase by the maximum amount allowed.

The force's proposal to increase its precept — the portion of a council tax bill which pays for policing — was voted on during Friday's police and crime panel meeting.

After a lengthy debate, the majority of panel members agreed to put the tax up by 4.9 per cent, or just under £13 a year for the average band D property — the equivalent of 25p a week.

Suffolk Police HQ Marlesham (Picture: LDRS)

This is in addition to the additions made separately by the your individual town or parish, Babergh District Council and Suffolk County Council..

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said he regretted having to make the decision but that it would be the best decision for the county.

He added: "This is a decision I don't take lightly, I don't have any wish at all to increase taxation full stop — it's largely about maintaining where we are."

"I was very pleased to see a cross-party consensus, it is a great example of us working together for the greater good."

There were some concerns raised, however, over what the increase would mean for those on lower incomes as the cost-of-living crisis continued to pressure families across the county.

Cllr Peter Beer, the only one to vote against, said: "Out there, people are suffering, the cost of living is astronomical and it seems to be going up."

He also alluded to Government guidance which states PCCs should be mindful of financial pressures facing households when setting their budget. This is despite, however, the same guidance proposing an increase by the maximum amount.

Mr Passmore added that although he felt residents' pain, refusing the increase could mean stopping the delivery of essential services, particularly within the force's charity grant allocations.

This could affect anything from the delivery of youth projects to the running of organisations dealing with domestic abuse.

He said: "A few £1,000 notes make a huge difference to them — the low-hanging fruit has already been well and truly plucked."

Mr Passmore also expressed his disappointment with the Government for delaying the funding formula review which would reassess how much money the force gets.

A mere fraction from Government