Vikki Slade MP presses Home Secretary on Dorset’s chronic police underfunding

5 Feb 2026

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has challenged the Home Secretary in Parliament over Dorset being the second worst-funded police force in England, ranking 42nd out of 43 nationally.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Vikki warned that years of underfunding have left Dorset Police overly reliant on council tax, with around 50% of its budget now funded locally, compared with a national average of 34%. In some better-funded areas, local taxpayers contribute as little as 20%, placing Dorset residents under disproportionate pressure.

Vikki also highlighted the unique challenges facing Dorset Police due to seasonal demand, with the county welcoming over 25-million-day visitors each year, which Dorset receives no additional funding for. Policing pressures peak sharply during July and August, when the population swells significantly.

Dorset MPs, alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, wrote to the Home Secretary in November calling for urgent action on the funding crisis, but had yet to receive a response. During her question, Vikki pressed the Government for assurances that seasonality would be properly reflected in any new police funding formula.

Responding, the Home Secretary confirmed she would ensure a reply is issued and said plans for reviewing the police funding formula would follow the Government’s review of the future structure of regional police forces.

Commenting afterwards, Vikki Slade MP said:

“Dorset is being asked to do more with less. Being the second worst-funded police force in the country is simply not sustainable, especially when half of the budget is being picked up by local taxpayers."

“With over 25 million visitors a year and huge seasonal spikes in demand, Dorset Police faces pressures the current funding formula simply does not recognise. I will continue pushing for a settlement that reflects the reality on the ground and gives Dorset Police the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”