DORSET households will pay more for their policing services this coming financial year.

A recently approved rise to the policing precept – the portion of council tax that funds policing services – equates to a £14 increase a year for those in a band D property.

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), David Sidwick, said the increase comes following the results on an online consultation – where 76% agreed the force requires additional funding and 55% said they would pay more.

Just 1,966 people responded to the survey, which ran for six weeks.

READ MORE: Almost 5% increase to council tax proposed in Dorset

The move to increase the precept comes after Dorset Council proposed a 5% increase to council tax bills.

PCC Mr Sidwick said the decision to raise the policing precept is not something he takes lightly.

He reaffirmed the county remains one of the safest in the country – despite financial challenges.

PCC David Sidwick Picture: Dorset PCC

“Crime is falling, positive outcomes are on the rise and anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level since 2007/08, thanks to hard work from Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers,” he added.

“We want to go further; we want to do more to ensure Dorset is the safest place in the country but to do this we need more security and stability in our funding.

“We have big ambitions, but without a change in the outdated national funding formula taking into account seasonality and rurality, those ambitions cannot be achieved.

“While further difficult decisions will sadly have to be made this year to ensure a balanced budget, I want to reassure the public that we are dedicated to ensuring our communities remain protected.”

Difficult decisions to be made

Dorset Police chief constable Amanda Pearson said the force has made efforts to reduce its spending, but added that “difficult decisions” will need to be made in the future.

“We are already lean and eking out further savings is becoming ever more challenging due to the efficiencies we have already achieved,” she said.

“To date these have included renegotiated contracts, innovative use of technology, extending life of equipment before replacement, additional income generation, and a reduction of 72 full time equivalent police staff posts under the current year savings schemes.

“The financial situation of the force remains extremely challenging, and despite this increase in precept, we will have to continue to make some very difficult decisions to ensure we deliver effective policing within budget.

“Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country, and we remain committed to being tough on crime, relentlessly pursuing those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.”