Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Policing: Dorset

Monday 9 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Loder inquired about steps being taken to support policing in Dorset.
  • The police funding settlement for 2020-21 allocated up to 144.3 million to Dorset police, marking an 8.8 million increase from the previous year.
  • The Minister reassured Chris Loder that every officer and force in the country are valued equally by the Home Office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Loder
Policing & Resources
Context

The MP seeks to support policing in his constituency, noting the need for adequate resources.

Question

What steps she is taking to support policing in Dorset. The police funding settlement for 2020-21 set out the biggest increase in funding for the policing system since 2010, with Dorset police receiving up to £144.3 million in funding.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

The police funding settlement for 2020-21 set out the biggest increase in funding for the policing system since 2010, with Dorset police receiving up to £144.3 million in funding, an increase of £8.8 million on the previous year.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Loder
Policing & Resources
Context

The MP notes that West Dorset does not fare well in the national funding formula, receiving only 48% compared to the average of 64%. He seeks reassurance about the value placed on Dorset police.

Question

Can I thank the Minister very much for his answer? My constituency of West Dorset is served very ably by Dorset police, and they have historically managed their finances very well, but in the national funding formula, we do not fare quite so well, being below average, with 48%, compared with the average of 64%. Could he give me some reassurance that the police in Dorset are valued as much as other police forces around the country?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

My hon. Friend need have no fear: every officer and every force in the country stand in equal regard by the Home Office, although I know that Dorset police are close to his heart. I will say two things. First, it is very important that the good people of Dorset elect a Conservative police and crime commissioner in May next year who can continue that good financial management. Secondly, I remind him of the commitment that I gave at the Department's last questions session. While the police funding formula is currently the best basis we have for allocating funds across all forces in England and Wales, it is a bit elderly, and we have undertaken to review it before the next election.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific funding disparity issue was not directly addressed

How: Under Review

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