Dorset PCC launches precept survey
It is no secret that many police forces across the country are facing tough decisions due to budgetary pressures and funding shortfalls. In Dorset, we are not immune from this, and difficult choices have had to be made this year, with more to come, as the Force is required to save £7million over two years.
Continuing high levels of inflation along with further increases in energy costs and national insurance contributions, nationally mandated pay rises and strict rules on police officer numbers, are just a few of the pressures contributing to this increasingly difficult situation.
Since I came to Office in 2021, I have been relentlessly lobbying for a fairer funding deal for Dorset. The current funding formula makes no account of the huge influx of tourists to Dorset nor the rurality of much of our county and that is beyond frustrating and unfair, not just on the Force but the people of this county. Dorset residents contribute 52% towards the Force’s funding through their council tax, whereas the average for other Forces in England and Wales is around 35% and in some cases as low as 20%. Dorset also receives the second lowest proportion of central government funding in England and Wales.
The disparity and unfairness of the funding formula is widely recognised, with fellow PCCs and policing bodies also actively campaigning and raising awareness of this issue. However, despite this dogged persistence, there remains little clarity over the review of the National Police Funding Formula, which forces me to ask you, the public, for your support once again.
Last year, Dorset’s residents backed my precept proposal, understanding the importance of their contribution and the impact it has on policing in our county. I want to be clear that coming to you to ask for more is not easy, but the fact is that policing still needs your help and support to ensure we can maintain the level of service you rightly expect and deserve.
The Government has set a limit this year of £14 on the policing part of the council tax precept. As part of my survey asking for your views, I would also like to know if theoretically there is support for more funding for policing. Although the Government have set the limit at £14, the survey suggests a hypothetical £20 amount and a £30 amount. I want to be clear; these two higher amounts will not be introduced but have been included to help me gauge levels of support from the public.
As I have stated, Dorset Police have had to make difficult decisions this year to achieve the savings required to balance the budget, and unless the central funding situation changes, more difficult decisions are expected. Through Project Evolve - a programme to improve the service offered to communities while also delivering cost efficiencies to ensure a balanced budget - progress has been significant and delivered savings against target. But due to the funding situation inflicted upon Dorset thanks to the current formula, I need your support.
I want to be clear; despite the squeeze on the finances, Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country. Reports of crime have fallen by 2.3% this year, with positive outcomes on the rise, meaning more perpetrators are being identified and punished. Alongside these encouraging figures, reported incidents of antisocial behaviour are also at their lowest level in Dorset since 2007/8, falling by 12% since last year. Reducing this harm on our communities is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, and I have consistently supported Dorset Police with initiatives targeting ASB including Operation Relentless, 100 Days of Summer and Operation Track, alongside funding community-based solutions to ensure all Dorset residents can feel safe where they live and work.
Funding from the precept will also allow Dorset Police to continue initiatives such as Operation Scorpion, which targets those dealing illegal drugs and safeguards vulnerable people in partnership with neighbouring Forces across the south west. The investment we have made in tackling rural crime, and the way it is paying dividends is also of significance. As well as this, the Force is working intensively to tackle shoplifting and business crime, with Dorset’s Operation Shopkeeper focusing on high harm, repeat offenders who are responsible for the majority of shoplifting across the county. This initiative has seen 32 perpetrators targeted in the past year, achieving 696 positive outcomes for victims.
Responses to the highest-grade emergency calls are also improving, and thanks to Enhanced Video Response (EVR), victims of crime can opt to speak to an officer over live video rather than in person. This enables victims to have greater choice in how they interact with officers and is completely victim-led. If the victim prefers to see an officer in person, that will always continue to be available.
EVR also delivers better value for money for the taxpayer, with increased efficiency, better use of officer time and a reduction in vehicle costs, as well as fuel and maintenance. These savings are being invested back into the frontline, helping to reduce response times to emergency calls requiring immediate or urgent in person attendance.
This brief snapshot is just some of the positive work we have seen in the past year. But none of this would be possible without the dedication of the officers, staff and volunteers who work at Dorset Police. My priority remains to provide the Chief Constable with the resources she needs to continue this good work, and with the financial challenges facing Dorset Police in mind, I have sought reassurance from the Chief that the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan will be maintained.
I hope the public can support the good work being done and take part in the survey and give me your thoughts and opinions. Together over the last year we have made a positive difference and I want that to continue. But we can’t do it without your help.
You can take the survey here.
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner