AROUND 40 police staff jobs will have to be cut to help the county force balance their budget after below inflation increases in the annual government grant.

Gloucestershire Police say they need to increase the amount the public will pay through council tax to save as many jobs as possible in the coming year.

In a survey answered by 1,238 Gloucestershire residents, 81 per cent favoured a £1 increase in their council tax to support policing in the area, said a spokesman.

The other options on the table are an increase of 79p a month for a band D council tax payer, losing 20 PCSO posts, up to 23 police officers, and around 50 police staff posts, or an increase of 47p a month, losing 28 PCSO posts, around 60 police officer posts and the loss of more than 50 police staff posts.

The amount to be charged will be decided this Wednesday, (February 11) at the Police Authority full meeting.

Gloucestershire's Chief Constable Dr Timothy Brain, said: "With the funding formula used by central government we are among the most poorly funded police forces in the UK.

"It leaves us with no choice but to ask the authority to make up the shortfall via the council tax precept, as we have made so many efficiency savings over the years there is no further room to manoeuvre.

"We have consistently met and exceeded our efficiency targets and have received favourable reports from the Audit Commission on our management of resources.

"We presented three options to the public via our survey, with each of them involving staff cutbacks of some sort because we are left with no choice but to reduce posts even further than we did last year.

"However, the results of the consultation are very clear. The public wishes to continue supporting us in our efforts to reduce crime and improve safety within Gloucestershire and we must now leave it up to the Police Authority to make its decision on which option to choose next week.

"The authority has given outstanding support to policing in Gloucestershire in recent years and I very much hope they continue to do so."