Commissioner pledges more police on beat

POLICE supremo Tony Lloyd has promised to recruit more than 200 police officers and staff in the coming year.

Greater Manchester Police will also increase the number of its apprentices from 22 to 50, focus on neighbourhood-based policing, and work closely with other agencies such as the NHS on mental-health issues.

These initiatives will cost an extra £3.3 million, meaning the council tax levy for the police service will rise by £5 to £149.33 for a Band D property.

Mr Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, will formally announce his first budget tomorrow.

“Every single penny of the extra money raised through the small increase to the policing part of your council tax bill is being used to boost front-line policing,” said Mr Lloyd.

“For the average property, that increase is just over a penny a day. I think that represents great value.”