CONSERVATIVE party chiefs have accused the Government of shifting the burden for funding West Mercia police to the taxpayer.

According to a new research document published by Central Office, the police charge in the Council Tax bill has rocketed by 164 per cent since 1996.

The increase has seen bills for a Band D property rise from £45.34 to £119.80.

At the same time, other police authorities have limited their rise since 1996.

Northumbria has seen a 39 per cent increase, and West Midlands and Northumbria 56 per cent.

A Tory spokesman said: "Under this Government, there has been a marked shift towards funding the police through the council tax payer.

"What is more, while the burden has increasingly been shifted to the local taxpayer there has been a concerted campaign of centralised command and control."

The Tories, who aim to highlight fear of crime in the local elections, said the increased charges must bring results.

"People will expect a police officer to appear on their doorstep if they have been a victim of crime - they will not expect to merely be given an incident number on the phone."

A Government spokesman said it was up to police authorities to set their own precept.

But he added the extra cash was paying for record numbers of bobbies on the beat, which was what the public wanted to see.