CONSULTATION on a proposed increase in public funding for the police has revealed a widespread fear that pensioners will be the hardest hit by rising bills.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Della Cannings has toured the county to justify a possible rise of 11.3 per cent in the police precept.

The results of the public consultation were published in a report into the funding situation this week.

At public meetings held in Northallerton, Scarborough, Ryedale, York and Richmond, residents voiced concerns about the effect that any rise in the precept would have on pensioners, saying people on fixed incomes would be unable to afford it.

Many people also objected on the grounds that a further rise was unacceptable, coming so soon after last year's 76 per cent hike.

There was support for the rise from some people, but only as long as people could see the increased in funding making a difference in their local communities.

In the report to North Yorkshire Police Authority, Mrs Cannings says that services will have to be cut if a rise is not agreed.

"To keep the police precept on the council tax to the rate of inflation would effectively mean a cut of just £4m," she said.

"In my professional judgement, such a cut would result in an immediate need to cease or reduce significantly recruitment to North Yorkshire Police of police officers, police staff and special constables, negating the improvements achieved during the current year."

The final funding decision will made at a meeting of North Yorkshire Police Authority on Monday at the Quality Hotel near the Selby Fork of the A1/A63.