A CONSULTATION on police funding formula could mean more money for Dorset, one of the lowest funded forces.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill has welcomed the move, announced by Policing Minister Mike Penning.

The consultation is open until September 15, 2015.

Mr Underhill said: “I welcome this consultation which I hope will lead to addressing our funding imbalance in Dorset. Since my election as PCC, I have been calling for a fundamental review of the police funding formula which remains discriminatory, to rural forces.

"I have been helped enormously in this campaign by several of our MPs especially Oliver Letwin MP.

"I have discussed this review with the Policing Minister Mike Penning only last week and I welcome his comments."

Dorset is one of the lowest centrally funded police forces in the country.

While some forces receive over three quarters of their grant from central Government, Dorset receives less than half.

Mr Underhill said: "The rest of the burden is placed on the local tax payer, and that inequity is repeated annually.

"The 2015-16 grant settlement has seen Dorset receive less funding than the formula calculates as appropriate. Proportionally, Dorset has lost the highest number of police officers and staff in the country.

"I look forward to engaging in the consultation and strongly encourage others to do the same, so together we can push to end the funding disparity in Dorset.”