AS Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston bemoans the fact Essex Police receive one of the lowest amounts in the country from taxpayers, we ask whether you would pay more tax if that money was used to put more officers on Essex's streets? 

Residents living in band D properties currently pay around £147 per year to Essex Police through their council tax bill, compared to a national average of £180.

Mr Alston said: “Two thirds of our funding comes from Government, and one third from council tax.”

The amount of PCSOs in Essex will reduce from 250 to 60 by 2020 as a result of force cutbacks.

A new merged neighbourhood policing team will be formed in the districts, with one inspector, two sergeants, six constables, four PCSOs, and a youth officer.

Would you pay more tax if it resulted in more police officers? Vote in our poll below: