A council tax hike to bolster Hertfordshire’s police force will impact the poorest in society – says a district councillor.

Liberal Democrat councillor, Stephen Giles-Medhurst, branded a proposal by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner to increase council tax by £2 a month “unfair” – adding the richest in society should be made to “pay more”.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst’s criticism came after commissioner David Lloyd invited the public to comment on his proposal to increase council tax rates by just under 50p per week across the average household.

Last week, the Home Office said Mr Lloyd could raise an additional £10.7m for policing in Hertfordshire in 2019/20.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: “Whilst of course the Liberal Democrats welcome any extra money for the police if it leads to an increased presence on the streets, it is unfair that with a further council tax rise the poorest in society will pay pro rata the greater percentage of their income.

“Police costs should be met from general taxation so that the richest in society pay more.

“However, by having a Police and Crime Commissioner, the government pushes its responsibility and burden on to hard pressed council tax payers who have to pay based on the council tax banding of their home, rather than based on income.”

Mr Lloyd added: “Unlike many police forces that have been cutting back their frontline, I have continued to invest heavily in preserving and strengthening local policing.

“It helps to create a police force that is embedded in and supported by a community working together to cut crime.

“My Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan focuses on putting victims of crime first and finding ways to improve the support they require and their journey through the criminal justice system.

Mr Lloyd went on to say further investment will be made to improve victim support and outcomes for victims.

To comment, email your.views@herts.pcc.pnn.gov.uk or by letter to: 15 Vaughan Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4GZ by Jan 7.