Herts’ police and crime commissioner has said a proposed freeze in the force’s council tax precept won’t affect a recruitment drive.

Commissioner David Lloyd is calling for people living in Herts not to pay more for policing – with those in Band D properties set to pay £147.82 for the fifth year running.

The plans were backed by the county’s police and crime panel yesterday.

Mr Lloyd said: “Here in Hertfordshire I believe we can invest in the recruitment of more police officers while also freezing the policing part of the council tax bill this year – so it will have been the same since 2010.

“This has been made possible by prudent and responsible budget management which means that Hertfordshire Constabulary is in a strong position to meet the financial challenges ahead.”

For more information visit www.hertscommissioner.org.