by political editor Paul Francis

Council taxpayers will learn how much they will have to contribute to the costs of policing in Kent this year on Wednesday.

Kent Police Authority will decide at a meeting whether bills should rise by nearly three per cent or 2.5 per cent. An option to freeze the council tax is also on the table but is likely to be rejected.

A report being presented to members of the police authority says that close to £8m will need to be saved in 2010-2011 and that the force is facing unavoidable cost pressures of more than £10m, mainly because of national pay settlements.

However, it says the number of frontline police officers can be maintained so long as Kent Police moves ahead with re-structuring management.

Mark Gilmartin, Chief Executive of the Kent Police Authority said: "The Chief Constable and members of the Kent Police Authority have already held discussions over the last few months to explore the pressures facing the force during 2010. This year's council tax decision will be one of the hardest for members.

"We face the dilemma of balancing the current economic climate against the needs of the Chief Constable, and a value-for-money policing service for the public."

The authority also says running costs can be slimmed down by continuing with a collaboration with Essex Police on issues like IT, serious crime and administration.

Despite a 2.7 per cent increase in Government grants, Kent Police says it would need to spend just under £285million for a standstill budget this year.

A council tax increase of 2.9 per cent would see average bills for homes in the Band D property band rise by about four pounds to £138.68 while a 2.5 per cent increase would see bills rise by £3.37 to £138.02.

Finance chiefs for the police authority say a tax freeze for residents is not an option they can recommend because not enough money could be saved in time and the level of reserves would fall below "a sustainable level."

Final council tax bills will be higher once the KCC share of the tax, along with those of the district or borough councils, parish councils and Kent Fire are added.