Police and Crime Commissioner launches legal challenge over funding formula

The formula calculates how much funding individual police authorities in England and Wales should receive based on factors such as population density, an area’s policing needs, and regional cost differences.

However, David Sidwick argues that the funding approach, which has remained largely unchanged since 2013, relies on data and assumptions that, in some cases, date back more than 25 years.

He said Dorset faces unique challenges thanks to its large rural area and tourism.

"Those pressures create significant additional demand on our officers and staff, yet neither rurality nor seasonality is properly recognised in the current funding system," he said.

According to Sidwick, Dorset residents are forced to pay more in council tax to cover the funding gap.

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 reflect current policing demand properly and cannot be said to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of policing, as required by law.

The PCC said he would like to avoid legal proceedings and instead work constructively with the Home Office. He has requested discussions with ministers ahead of the next police funding settlement.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “This government is delivering the biggest reforms to policing in over 200 years to allow forces to focus on protecting their community and make the public safer.

“Police force funding this year is at a historic high of £18.4 billion, with Dorset Police seeing a cash increase of 4.6% compared to 2025/26.”

Adam Carey