The amount of tax you're paying for police is rising - here's how much and why

In particular, the amount that the taxpayer must pay for policing has risen for the coming year - by more than 10 per cent.

In what is the second highest increase in council tax in 10 years for many households, one figure, known as the ‘police precept’, has been allowed to go up more than ever.

This is the portion of your council tax that goes towards funding your local police force.

How much more will it be?

Almost everybody in a council tax band D household - the middle band - will be required to pay an extra £24 annually for their local police force. For band A it will be £16 more.

Previously, Police and Crime Commissioners were only allowed to raise this by a maximum of £12 per annum.

But last year the government raised the limit and almost every force in England and Wales has opted for the new level.

This increased cost comes as the UK is facing rising knife crime figures year on year since 2015, according to Home Office Figures.

In 2018 overall crime levels were at a 13 year high.

Where is the money going?

How police forces choose to spend the money - which will amount to £510 million across England and Wales - is up to them.

Earlier this year Home Secretary Sajid Javid said that a total of 2,800 extra officers had been suggested.

But while some forces have said that the funds will be used to put more officers on the ground, or to tackle digital crimes, others have said that it will simply plug gaps in funding.