By Sam Moorhouse

People throughout North West Leicestershire - and across the county - will be required to pay more towards local policing through their Council Tax bills this year.

The police share of bills – which is known as the precept – has been set by elected police and crime commissioner, Rupert Matthews this week.

It means those living in a band D property will be expected to pay a further £15 a year for policing – bringing their annual contribution to Leicestershire Police to a total of an annual £273.23 – a five per cent increase on the current figure of £258.23.

Those living in properties in bands A to C will pay less, while those in E to -H properties will pay more.

Mr Matthews, a Conservative, said the rise was below the rate of inflation and had been set to help families struggling with the rising cost of living.

Leicestershire households' contribution is lower than the average for the East Midlands, he added.

The police precept is part of the wider Council Tax bill people pay to their local authority.

Around 12 per cent of a county resident's payment goes towards the local police service, nine per cent to their district or borough council, three per cent to the fire service and 75 per cent goes towards the county council.

During a meeting on Wednesday (February 1), Mr Matthews put forward the force's budget for the coming financial year, which was endorsed by the Police and Crime Panel – the body which was created to scrutinise his decisions.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews. Photo: Leicestershire Police

He told members of the panel that Leicestershire Police was a good force, in parts 'outstanding', and required a "robust budget to sustain the improvements in key areas of service witnessed since 2021."

It was also announced at the meeting that Mike Veale, a former senior police officer under investigation for alleged misconduct, has resigned following widespread criticism of the decision to appoint him.

Mr Matthews said that it had come as a result of "continued negative media coverage" and that he was "disappointed with the decision."

He said: "I can confirm that Mike Veale has resigned from his post as interim chief executive.

"In light of the continued negative media coverage regarding his, albeit temporary, appointment he felt that this move was in the best interests of my office.

"I would like to place on record my appreciation of Mike's significant contribution to my office and wish him well in the future.

"I said in December that I would recruit to the substantive post in the new year, so very little has actually changed. I will update the panel on my arrangements in due course."