Council taxpayers in Greater Manchester face paying 44p a week more to pay for nearly 600 new police officers.

On Friday, Greater Manchester Police Authority was preparing to decide whether to increase its bill to householders by 33%.

If it is agreed, people living in band D properties will see weekly payments increase by 44p, to �1.76.

Michael Todd, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), has defended the rise.

Mr Todd told a meeting of Stockport Council on Thursday night the force has traditionally been underfunded compared with other forces around the country.

He also argued GMP has the biggest workload per officer in England.