A fundamental responsibility for Durham Police Authority is to ensure that the public of County Durham and Darlington receive the best possible service with the best use of resources.
Where the Money Comes From
Durham Police Authority hold the police budget, we consult with local people before we set the police council tax to ensure you get value for money.
The budget that we set comprises a revenue budget and a capital budget. The revenue budget is used to fund salaries, allowances, pension commitments and operational running costs.
The capital budget is used to invest in longer life assets such as land, buildings, information technology, vehicles and equipment.
This budget determines the level of finance available to provide a police service during the financial year.
Police budgets are met from a combination of a Central Government support, including Home Office grant and Revenue Support grant together with non domestic rates and council tax raised locally.
Details of last year's budget can be found within the Budget Book. This contains a range of information, starting with reports on the overall budget position and background to the budget process and summaries of the revenue and capital estimates.
Funding Formula
A funding formula is used by the Government to allocate central funds to police authorities.
Code of Practice on Financial Management
The Home Office Code of Practice advises that financial responsibility should be delegated to the lowest level consistent with the responsibilities of the Police Authority and financial propriety.
As such financial responsibility is passed to the Chief Constable and the force to the extent that they can satisfy the Police Authority and its Treasurer that they have the necessary control systems and ability to carry out the delegated functions.
External Audit
After consultation with Durham Police Authority an external auditor is appointed by the Audit Commission. They are required to carry out an annual audit, examine the financial health of the organisation, scrutinise the Policing Plan including the robustness of the Performance Management framework and report to the Police Authority.
Annual Governance Report
Each year the Audit Commission produces its Annual Governance Report (previously known as an Audit Letter) which summarises the findings undertaken during the year.
This report summarises the conclusions of the annual audit undertaken by the External Auditor. It reports any significant issues, along with giving comments on any other current issues.
Click on the links below to view the current report, along with those from previous years.
Other Financial Information
You can also view financial information on: