CLEVELAND Police Authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker has renewed his offer to discuss future police spending plans with the Chief Constable and Stockton Borough Council.
His announcement came after Stockton councillor Suzanne Fletcher said the authority needed more information about budget proposals for the coming financial year.
Coun Walker said he was surprised by her response, having written to council leader Councillor Bob Gibson requesting the opportunity to brief councillors and officers.
Last month, Coun Gibson criticised the plan, which is expected to see the police authority's council tax share rise to 28 or 29 per cent, meaning an increase for taxpayers for the third year in a row.
Councillor Walker said the police authority's plan would mean a further 200 officers recruited across Teesside.
He said: "In every meeting with the public which I and the Chief Constable have attended the overwhelming message has been that people do want to see more officers in their streets and in their communities.
"I believe we should listen to their wishes."
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