MP Challenges Blunkett on Funding for Dorset Police

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 3rd Dec 2003

Speaking up for local concerns, MP for Mid Dorset, Annette Brooke, raised the issue of adequate funding for Dorset Police in the debate on the Queen's Speech yesterday.

Responding to crime concerns from her constituents, Annette Brooke said:

"Dorset police have carried out a thorough consultation, and, not surprisingly, the people want a more visible, uniformed presence on the streets."

"There have been many Bills relating to crime, yet the public's perception is that crime is going up and they do not feel entirely sae. We must take on board the fact that people need to feel safe in their communities."

"The recent increase in funding for Dorset police authority does not cover its cost increases and is certainly not enough to address what the public wants."

In addition, Annette Brooke has learned that Dorset police is forced to return over £1 million of fines collected from safety cameras to HM Treasury rather than re-invest it in road safety schemes in the county.

In Annette Brooke's Adjournment debate on Police Funding in Dorset last month, the Minister for Police, Hazel Blears assured her that all monies collected from fines could and should be used locally for road safety. The Dorset police has since written to the Minister to inform her that the force is no longer allowed ring-fence the fines collected to improve road safety, street design and child education locally due to changes in regulations.

In response, Annette Brooke said:

"No one likes being fined for a driving offence, but I'm sure that road safety schemes would be less unpopular if monies collected were targeted specifically at accident prevention and education. This is a matter that I am investigating fully with the Minister."