DORSET'S police and crime commissioner says he has been forced to make "incredibly tough" decisions due to austerity measures.

While influencing operational decisions is outside his remit, PCC Martyn Underhill says he is pleased the increase in policing precept has allowed officer recruitment to continue across the county.

“Since 2010, I have worked closely with Dorset Police to deliver substantial efficiency savings of over £37.3m," he said.

"We haven’t just made the easy decisions, due to austerity we have had to take incredibly tough decisions.

"This has been the case nationally, with officer numbers declining over the last decade being just one of the outcomes. Every force has to adapt to these realities."

Dorset Police's portion of council tax increased by £1 per month from the start of April.

Mr Underhill said the move to increase the precept was made after the Government failed to provide central funding for policing in Dorset.

He added: "Every decision I take as PCC, including any future consideration of the proposal for a full merger with Devon & Cornwall Police, is focused on ensuring that Dorset Police continues to provide an effective and efficient service to residents and is sufficiently resourced to meet growing demands.”