Carmarthenshire residents could receive a reduction in their council tax bills - as the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner reveals significant reserves of £43m.

The force’s, Christopher Salmon, is recommending a 5 per cent decrease in the policing element of council tax payments.

Mr Salmon’s proposal would result in a policing precept at council tax band D of £200.07 (down from £210.60) – a decrease of 20.3p per week.

This would help deliver a 2015-16 Dyfed-Powys policing budget of £95.6m (2014-15 - £97.9m).

He said: “My precept proposal balances the needs of families with the needs of our police service.

“An improved police air service will start soon, we have new mental health incident units, a new partnership to tackle antisocial behaviour and more domestic violence advisors.

“New rape crisis centres will open soon and I plan a CCTV strategy for the region.”

Mr Salmon’s precept proposal will go to the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel on Friday, January 23.

They have the power to reject the initial proposal. Once the Commissioner and Panel agree a figure it will be implemented.

Throughout December, Mr Salmon consulted the public and the feedback helped him propose the 5 per cent figure.

Around 30 per cent of people saying they paid too much for the police and a similar proportion asking for reserves to be used to minimise the precept rise.

Mr Salmon said: “My decision to cut the precept reflects what too many politicians in Wales fail to recognise the money they handle belongs to the public. We have a duty to spend every penny of it as if it were our own.

“The public want strong frontline policing and, through the whole organisation working more wisely and professionally, that’s what I want to deliver.”

“We’re on track to save £8.8m from 2013-16 and the Dyfed-Powys civilian support services continue to become more resourceful, adaptable and flexible.

“Thanks to tough decisions and the incredibly hard work of the Chief Constable, his team, Unison and the Police Federation we have increased police officer numbers and saved £3.74m.

“Ours is not a rich part of the world but I can now ensure that families struggling with bills will pay a little bit less. Dyfed-Powys householders will pay the same for policing in 2017 as they did in 2014.