Alan Hardwick will not stand for re-election as Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner as his bid to up force's precept is approved

He says that this means Chief Constable Neil Rhodes will have sufficient funds to maintain the current establishment of 1,100 police officers and 149 PCSOs.

Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has welcomed this morning’s decision (Friday) by the Police and Crime Panel to approve his proposal to increase the 2016/17 Council Tax Police Precept by 1.96 per cent.

“I am delighted by the unanimous vote of the Police and Crime Panel earlier today to approve my proposals,” he said.

“This means that, again, I can honour my pledge to fund 11,00 front line officers and 149 PCSOs,” said Mr Hardwick.

The rise will mean a weekly increase for a Band D Council Tax payer of seven pence (£3.87 annually).

Mr Hardwick reiterated that this year’s budget was a positive step on the way to achieving a fairer deal for Lincolnshire Police. “Government’s proposals for the new funding formula suggested we would be £8 million better off.

“They have recognised we have been treated unfairly in the past and have made a commitment to address that next year. Ministers have put their faith in us to deliver one of the most efficient and effective police forces in the country and I have faith that they will stay true to their word.”

Mr Hardwick also announced today that he would not be standing for re-election as Police and Crime Commissioner.

He said: “I am simply retiring but I can do so knowing that I have achieved what I have set out to do as Commissioner. Crime has reduced, a fair deal for Lincolnshire is on its way and we continue to deliver performance that is as good as and, in many cases, better than more well-funded police areas. Whoever my successor is, I wish them the very best.”