Members of the Dorset Police Authority have agreed to a 4.38 per cent increase in its part of the Council Tax – representing an extra 14.5 pence a week or £7.56 a year for a band D property.

The decision was made this morning, Friday, 12 February 2010, when the Authority met at County Hall in Dorchester.

Members of the Dorset Police Authority also decided to increase the budget of Dorset Police by 3.77 per cent to £120.3 million – and approve savings of £2.2 million.

The level of funding for the new financial year and new Council Tax precept for the police comes into effect from 1 April 2010.

The Police Authority members made the decision on the level of the new police Council Tax precept after considering detailed reports from Dorset Police Chief Constable Martin Baker and Police Authority Treasurer Paul Kent.

At the meeting, Chairman of the Police Authority, Michael Taylor, said: "We are facing significant future financial risks and uncertainties.

"In coming to a decision today of the budget for 2010/2011, the key focus for us all is very much on how we balance those risks and seek to mitigate the uncertainties in the best interests of the police service in Dorset and the people it serves."

This morning’s meeting was told that in a community safety survey undertaken during October 2009, more than 80 per cent of 3,981 Dorset residents who responded said they would support such a rise in the police portion of the Council Tax.

Despite receiving the second lowest Government grant of any police force in England and Wales, Dorset is the second best performer for public confidence out of the 43 police forces in England Wales.

Police Authority member Gary Hepburn, chairman of the Authority’s Community Engagement and Communications Committee, said: "We are committed to keeping police numbers out on the street and providing an efficient and effective police service that continues to respond to the needs of the public.

"The financial savings that we have made against the background of the serious economic context and the national fiscal deficit will not affect front line operational services.

"Our Safer Neighbourhood Teams working in communities across Dorset will be there as ever – reassuring the public and policing the streets of the county," explained Mr Hepburn.

Today’s decision by the Dorset Police Authority took into account Dorset Police’s three-year strategy – as well as its annual policing plan – with the aim of ensuring that the Force has the adequate level of resources needed to address priorities and to continue to deliver an efficient and effective public service in Dorset.

The Dorset Police Authority has 17 members and is composed of local councillors, magistrates and community representatives.

As of December 31 2009, Dorset Police was composed of 1,500 police officers, 1,345 staff – including Police Community Support Officers – 300 Special Constables and 107 volunteers.

You can view the full agenda and reports for the Police Authority meeting on 12 February 2010 by clicking here