DORSET’S Police and Crime Commissioner has lobbied the government calling for a radical review of the police funding formula.

Martyn Underhill has submitted a two-page letter to Chancellor George Osborne urging him to ensure Dorset stops becoming one of the lowest funded forces in the country.

The government is about to begin a review of the police funding formula and Mr Underhill says the existing one is not “fit for purpose”.

In his letter, Mr Underhill says some forces receive 80 per cent of their funding from government while forces like Dorset receive around half – with the remaining tab being picked up by residents.

He said: “Any funding formula must reflect the unique challenges and additional costs of rural policing.”

Mr Underhill says Dorset also needs recognition for the additional policing required for the millions of visitors.

“This increase in population occurs all year long, adding considerably to issues associated with the night time economy, an economy that should be recognised in its own right in any future formula.”

Mr Underhill told the Echo he has always insisted he will fight for rural policing and is very keen to sit on the Government's consultation group.

This is the second time Mr Underhill has written to the government since being elected as commissioner.

He made a plea to government before Christmas for an ending to spending cuts which he said could put public safety at risk and the county at “tipping point”.

Dorset needs to make another £13 million savings by 2014/15 on top of the £10 million already achieved.

  • Four people have applied to become the next chief constable of Dorset Police, including the current acting chief constable Debbie Simpson. The selection process is now underway and the successful candidate will be announced on February 7.