The finance arrangements for Dorset Police Authority are broadly similar to those for a council. In consultation with the Chief Constable, the Authority sets an annual budget which is met by a combination of local and national funding. It can owns assets and hold reserves.  It produces annual accounts which are open to public inspection.

Day to day financial control is devolved to the Chief Constable but the Police Authority has statutory responsibilities. As well as agreeing an annual revenue budget requirement and setting the council tax these include monitoring financial outcomes, considering longer term spending commitments, approving systems for ensuring efficiency and propriety and agreeing a policy for charging for services.  The Authority has a statutory post of Treasurer.

Dorset Police Authority is funded by a combination of money from central government and the council tax. In February each year the Authority sets its ‘precept’, which is the amount to be met from the council tax.  This charge, which is around 10% of a households’ overall council tax payment, is included as a separate element in the overall council tax bill.  You will find more details on this in our Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.  

Like all local and police authorities we produce annual accounts in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting.  These accounts show what we have spent in the previous year.  We publish the full annual accounts in this section of our website where you will also find a less technical and more accessible summary version.