BCP Council leader Millie Earl has said it is “very likely” that council tax will rise again this year.
Speaking during a live online question and answer session on 4 November, Councillor Earl explained that financial pressures mean the council faces difficult choices when setting the 2026/27 budget, which will be finalised in February.
She said: “We are very likely to increase our council tax this year like we did last year and the year before that. Rising costs, higher energy prices and increased demand mean that all councils are under huge financial pressure.”
Councillor Earl added that councils are capped by government on how much they can raise council tax — up to 4.99 percent, including two percent for adult social care — and that the government expects councils to use the full amount.
She explained that not increasing council tax could mean cutting services, including some statutory ones such as social care, highways maintenance and waste collection.
Councillor Earl said: “If we didn’t raise council tax, the only other option would be to cut services altogether, and if we cut statutory obligations the government would intervene and take control.”
The council is now reviewing where savings can be made and how essential services can continue to be delivered across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
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