DYFED-Powys householders are being invited to have their say on how much they pay for their police.

Local policing is funded largely by three sources - the Home Office, business rates, and householders through a Council Tax element known as the police precept.

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon sets the precept and, for 2015-16, would like to know what the public are happy to pay.

Currently the Dyfed-Powys precept at council tax band D is £210.60. This helps deliver a 2014-15 police budget of £97.894m. Last April’s precept rise was an inflationary 2.1%.

A public survey has been launched by Mr Salmon.

He said: “I want views on what precept level the public feel is appropriate for next year.

“I urge residents across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys to take part in my survey. We live in difficult economic times but all want to stay safe - and that means challenges for us all.

“Government funding for police forces continues to fall and one of my priorities here is to spend wisely.”

The quickfire survey, which forms a statutory consultation that Mr Salmon must undertake, can be completed quickly and anonymously online, by email and by mail until January 4.

The results will be collated and the precept will be issued in February after consideration by the Police and Crime Panel, the independent body which scrutinises Mr Salmon’s work.

To take part in the survey: Log on to the survey at www.bit.ly/1v3NVpo; email opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk; write to Office for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF or phone 01267 226440.