GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police and Crime Panel have accepted Martin Surl’s precept for the upcoming year – including a two per cent increase in council tax.

The panel agreed to support Mr Surl’s budget at a meeting at Shire Hall in Gloucester today, Wednesday, however did so with two recommendations.

Cllr Brian Calway, Chairman of the Police and Crime Panel, said: “The panel deliberated at great length because we have to acknowledge that the affect on the public purse needs to be very carefully considered.

“The panel eventually decided to support the two per cent increase subject to the recommendations put forward,” he said.