Policing precept approved

Dorset’s Police and Crime Panel have approved plans to increase the amount residents pay for policing in Dorset.

The increase means an average Band D household will pay an extra £15 a year, or £1.25 a month as part of their council tax.

The decision follows a survey from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in which 1,653 people responded, with 74% agreeing that Dorset Police requires additional funding. Of those who took the survey either online or at an in-person event, 46% supported an extra £26 per year, 16% supported £20 and 38% supported £14 per year. 

The recommended proposal was approved by a majority of members of the Dorset Police and Crime Panel meeting on Friday.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick told members he was left with little choice but to ask the panel to approve a precept rise following confirmation of the government grant settlement. Even by raising the precept amount by the maximum limit, as has been approved, Dorset Police will still require significant savings to be delivered. 

The PCC said: “For many reasons, this has been the most challenging budget since I became PCC in 2021.

“For years, Dorset Police and the residents of this county have been punished by an outdated and unfair funding formula, which fails to recognise the rurality of the county, or the huge challenges seasonality present, with millions of extra visitors to our county each year.

“Asking the residents of this county to pay more is not something I take lightly, but to my utter frustration I have been left with no choice. I have a responsibility to ensure Dorset Police is adequately funded, and this was the only option the government afforded me. Without raising the precept, the service Dorset Police would be able to provide, would be significantly adversely affected.”

He added: “I want to be very clear; Dorset Police has a strong and well-evidenced record of managing public finances responsibly. The financial pressures they face are the fault of a funding formula which is not fit for purpose. For years the Force has consistently delivered savings in order to balance the budget, but this approach is not sustainable and needs to change, urgently.

“Despite the ongoing financial challenges, over the past year significant progress has been made. Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country, with crime falling, positive outcomes on the rise, knife crime falling and anti-social behaviour at its lowest level for 16 years. We all have ambitions to go further but without a change in the funding, we will struggle to realise those ambitions.

“I remain completely dedicated to ensuring our communities across Dorset remain protected. Dorset Police is making a positive difference, the Police and Crime Plan priorities continue to be fulfilled, and our county is and will continue to be a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Dorset Police Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “Despite financial challenges ahead, Dorset Police remains fully committed to keeping Dorset safe for everyone and protecting services.

“An increase in precept is welcome. It means the Force can continue to reduce crime, support victims and witnesses, and keep people safe, but it also means further savings and difficult choices will still need to be made.

“I would like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police and Crime and Panel for their support, as well as thanking my officers, staff and volunteers for their continued dedication and commitment to Dorset."