COMMUNITIES across Cheshire could lose 48 police officers over the next year unless the public pays higher council tax bills.

Cheshire Police Authority will meet later today to discuss its budget proposals for 2012/13. It is facing a £13.1 million cut in funding.

Options include accepting the Government's council tax freeze grant, which will provide an additional £1.6 million, but will only last for one year.

The alternative could see taxpayers fork out an extra 3.95 per cent for the police precept on their council tax bills.