North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner Zoe Metcalfe is asking the public to have their say on potential increases in council tax to pay for the services.

Options for rises range from a freeze with no increases, going up to nearly ten per cent. Ms Metcalfe is required by law to set the amounts in the council tax which will go towards paying for the police and fire and rescue services.

The North Yorkshire police budget is currently £191m, with 45 per cent of that coming from council tax, a Band D property has this year been paying £281 towards police costs, for fire and rescue the budget is £37m, with 60 per cent coming from council tax and a Band D property is paying £75.61 a year towards the costs.

An online survey has been launched asking people to choose whether they want to freeze that part of the precept, or pay options of an extra three per cent, nearly seven per cent or ten per cent. The commissioner will make recommendations taking into account comments and results from the survey which will go to the county's Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February.

The survey says that an extra three per cent will only effectively hold services at the existing levels because of salary increases and the rising cost of fuel, utilities and general cost increases The survey opened on Monday, and runs until Monday January 16 at www.tellCommissionerZoe.co.uk.

Ms Metcalfe said: “One of my roles is to set the precepts for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, something every commissioner has to do every year.

“It is never easy asking for more money, and I know that many individuals and families are facing financial pressures, but our emergency services are also dealing with rising costs as they continue their vital work to keep us all safe.

“This year is particularly challenging as I have to balance the burden on taxpayers and the growing demands for services from our police and fire and rescue services, so it's vital that I hear your views.

“Please go online, take just a few minutes to have your say and I will ensure your views are reflected when decisions are made.”