A record £482 million is set to be spent on services in Dorset under new budget proposals, with most of the funding directed towards care for older residents, vulnerable adults and children.
Dorset Council says around sixty per cent of the total budget will support care services, alongside additional funding for children’s services and targeted support for young people with complex needs.
The plans also include investment in major road improvement and safety schemes across the county, while car parking charges are due to remain unchanged for another year.
Council tax is proposed to rise by four point nine nine per cent, meaning a Band D household would pay an extra £2.02 per week compared with last year.
Councillor Simon Clifford, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said the authority faced ongoing challenges linked to national funding arrangements, adding that efficiencies and transformation within the council would help generate savings for frontline services. The budget papers also outline £67 million for capital projects, including a new recycling centre in Blandford, safety works on the B3081 near Shaftesbury, a reablement centre in Bridport and new pedestrian and cycle links in Wimborne.
The proposals will be considered by the People and Health Scrutiny Committee on 21 January and the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee on 22 January, before final consideration by Cabinet on 29 January.
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