Kent Police have set a budget which will mean an inflation-busting rise in their share of council tax.

The budget of more than �233m over the next 12 months sees the force's share of council tax go up by nearly 30%.

It will mean an increase of 43p a week for the average band D council tax payer in the county.

But it means Kent will get more than 100 new police officers.

What the rise pays for

128 extra police officers 38 firearms officers Larger forensic team Expanded computer crime squad

The chief constable said the rise was essential for the force to stay on top of crime in Kent.

The budget was agreed unanimously by the Kent Police Authority on Wednesday.

The meeting at Kent Police HQ in Maidstone heard it meant the force could employ 128 extra officers.

Chief Constable Sir David Phillips said it would also mean the force would have 38 new firearms officers and expand its forensic and computer crime teams.

He told the meeting the increase in contributions by council tax payers was essential because of lower levels of funding from the government.

Sir David said: "We've cut crime in Kent but we are stretching at the seams to do so."