THE cost of providing Police and fire cover in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is to rise substantially.

Recruiting more police officers, increasing support for victims and witnesses and improving the way police calls are handled will mean an increase of 15 per cent.

This means an overall budget of £165.83 million for West Mercia Police Authority, which equates to £137.69 a year for a band D property or £17.68 more than last year.

Police spokesman Allen Peach said: "In cash terms its still a relatively small increase compared with other agencies."

The Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority precept is being increased by £5 million, or 25 per cent. This means a budget of £26.8 m, compared with £21.8m in 2003/04, or £60.21 a year for the average Band D property.

The increases will provide reserves for unforeseen emergencies and increased pay for firefighters, following the pay dispute of 2003. It will also be used to implement the modernisation of the service in line with the settlement agreed with the Government.

Chief fire officer David O'Dwyer said the budget was the minimum required for the brigade to meet its responsibilities.

"This works out at £1.50 a week on Band D, which I believe is good value for money," he said. "I'm prepared to defend our expenditure if ministers ask us."

The precepts will be added to those of the local authorities.