I'll put extra 1,000 police on streets, vows Mayor

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The Mayor promised the extra officers as part of a budget plan that proposes the lowest-ever increase in his share of London council tax bills.

A mayoral spokeswoman said the spending package "will allow for nearly 1,000 extra police in London".

But she cautioned: "The exact increase will depend on the outcome of the Met's bid for extra funding for counter terrorism, security and Olympics planning."

The Mayor's proposal for an above inflation 2.4 per cent rise in his share of council tax will add £7.38 to average bills. It means a typical household is likely to pay about £1,400 a year from April, with £311.25 going to the Mayor.

As well as paying for more police, Mr Livingstone said the extra cash would fund new teams to target guns, gangs and organised crime. There would also be additional Trident operations to tackle murders in black communities.

There are currently 30,996 police officers, 4,012 community support officers and 14,061 civilian staff in the Met.

The Mayor said the £125million cost of running City Hall would be frozen. Across his empire, which includes the fire and police authorities and Transport for London, there would be savings of £272million. There will be no change in the £20-a-year levy Londoners are paying towards the 2012 Olympics.

Further council tax rises limited to around the rate of inflation - currently 2.1 per cent - are promised if Mr Livingstone wins a third term next May. The Mayor said he had proposed the "lowest possible increase" that would still allow him to continue to boost the Met's strength.

Tory mayoral candidate Boris Johnson said Mr Livingstone had consistently increased his council tax share, adding: "The question we have to ask ourselves is, over the long term, do we feel we are getting value for money?"

Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Brian Paddick said council taxpayers "would continue to be fleeced" if Mr Livingstone was re-elected.