PCC Launches Legal Challenge Over “Outdated and Unfair” Police Funding Formula
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset David Sidwick, has begun legal action against the Home Office over what he describes as an outdated and unfair police funding formula that fails to reflect the county’s policing needs and places an unacceptable burden on local taxpayers.
The action follows years of lobbying and engagement with successive governments to reform the national police funding formula, which has remained largely unchanged since 2013 and continues to rely on data and assumptions that, in some cases, date back more than 25 years. The PCC has now instructed solicitors to formally challenge the Home Office unless urgent steps are taken to address the inequity in future police funding settlements.
The legal challenge mirrors concerns raised nationally about the current formula, which has been criticised by police leaders, the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee as being out of date and no longer fit for purpose. The Home Office has itself acknowledged the need for reform.
David Sidwick said: “For years, Dorset Police and the people of Dorset have been short-changed by a funding formula that simply does not reflect the reality of policing our county.
“Dorset faces unique challenges. We police a large rural area, with communities spread across more than 1,000 square miles, and every year we welcome millions of visitors to our towns, beaches and countryside. Those pressures create significant additional demand on our officers and staff, yet neither rurality nor seasonality is properly recognised in the current funding system.
“The result is that Dorset residents are forced to pay far more towards policing through council tax than many other parts of the country. That is fundamentally unfair.”
The PCC argues that the current formula fails to take account of Dorset’s significant seasonal population increases, with more than 25 million annual day visits and staying trips generating additional demand on policing services, particularly during the summer months. The county also experiences increased demand linked to major events, public order incidents, missing persons investigations and mental health-related calls.
At the same time, Dorset’s rural geography creates additional costs for the force. Officers often travel considerably greater distances to attend incidents in rural communities than in urban areas, resulting in longer response times, higher vehicle costs and increased operational pressures.
The PCC added: “I have consistently raised these issues with ministers and officials, both publicly and privately. We have written repeatedly to the Home Office, met with government representatives and made the case on behalf of Dorset residents at every opportunity.
“Unfortunately, despite widespread acceptance that the formula is outdated, no meaningful action has been taken. Dorset cannot afford to wait potentially another decade for reform while year after year we receive funding based on a system that everyone agrees is broken.
“My responsibility is to stand up for Dorset and ensure our communities receive the resources they need to keep people safe. That is why I am prepared to pursue this matter through the courts if necessary.”
The legal correspondence sent to the Home Secretary argues that continued reliance on the existing funding formula is irrational and unlawful because it fails to properly reflect current policing demand and cannot be said to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of policing, as required by law.
The PCC has made clear that his preference is to avoid legal proceedings and instead work constructively with the Home Office to reach a fair solution. He has requested discussions with ministers ahead of the next police funding settlement and remains committed to securing a funding arrangement that better reflects Dorset’s needs.
“This is not about asking for special treatment,” said the PCC.
“It is about ensuring Dorset receives its fair share. Our residents deserve a funding system that reflects the realities of modern policing and the challenges our officers face every day.
“I hope the Government will now engage positively so that legal action can be avoided. However, if that does not happen, I am prepared to take this fight forward on behalf of the people of Dorset.”