Council tax rise approved to help fund Dorset Police

Residents across Dorset will see an increase in the amount they pay towards policing after Dorset’s Police and Crime Panel approved plans to raise the policing element of council tax.

The decision means an average Band D household will pay an extra £15 a year — the equivalent of around £1.25 a month — from April.

The increase follows a public consultation carried out by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, which received 1,653 responses. Of those who took part, 74 per cent agreed Dorset Police required additional funding. Nearly half supported an increase of £26 per year, while others backed smaller rises of £20 or £14 annually.

The proposal was approved by a majority of panel members at a meeting held on Friday.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick told members the decision had been difficult but necessary following confirmation of the Government’s funding settlement. He said even with the maximum permitted increase, the force would still need to make significant savings.

Mr Sidwick described the current funding formula as outdated and unfair, arguing it fails to reflect Dorset’s rural nature and the added pressures caused by millions of visitors to the county each year.

He said asking residents to pay more was not a decision taken lightly but warned that without the increase, policing services would be significantly affected. He added that Dorset Police had a strong record of managing public finances responsibly but said continued savings alone were no longer sustainable.

Despite financial pressures, the Commissioner said Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country, with crime falling overall, reductions in knife crime and anti-social behaviour at its lowest level for 16 years.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said the increase would help the force continue reducing crime and supporting victims, but warned that difficult financial decisions still lie ahead.

She said Dorset Police remained fully committed to protecting communities and maintaining services despite ongoing budget challenges, thanking officers, staff and volunteers for their continued dedication.