Households covered by Dorset Council could see their council tax increase by just under five per cent from April.
The figure includes a two per cent adult social care precept.
The authority has set out proposals for a £416 million budget for 2025/26.
It marks a £39 million increase in spending from last year.
Additional funding includes:
- £14.5 million for adult social care and housing services
- £1.5 million for children’s services
- £4 million for Place services including transport, highways and planning services.
Councils are required by law to set a balanced budget with expenditure equal to revenue.
Dorset Council says it faces rising pressures on services such as the growing number of older people in Dorset who need social care support.
The additional cost of service delivery next year is forecast to be £83.4 million.
The council’s budget proposals include cost-saving measures of around £44 million to be delivered by:
- New service grants and income – £12 million
- Managing and meeting need differently – £14 million
- Reducing 3rd party spend – £3 million
- Operating more efficiently as a council – £14.4 million
The detailed proposals in the budget and medium-term financial plan will go before the council’s scrutiny committees next week.
The council is proposing a council tax increase of just under five per cent including a two per cent adult social care precept.
It says the rise equates to an additional 24p a day for most households.
Details will be available with council tax bills in March and online after the budget is approved at Full Council on 11th February.
Cllr Simon Clifford, Cabinet member for Finance and Capital Strategy, said: “We are making substantial investments in essential services.
“Since taking leadership of the council last May, we’ve prioritised housing, economic growth, supporting communities, and addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“It continues to be a tough financial climate for councils with inflation, the new requirement to pay higher employee National Insurance costs, and the ever-increasing need for social care services, particularly with our growing older population in Dorset.
“Despite these national financial challenges, we are making tough decisions to secure a strong financial future for Dorset Council and deliver the services our residents need most.”