Council tax in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could rise by seven point four per cent in the next financial year if the government approves an additional increase.
BCP Council is setting a budget of £452 million for 2026 to 2027, almost £100 million more than the previous year. The proposals aim to protect services residents rely on, including social care, waste collections, transport and housing.
Like many councils, BCP is under pressure from the cost of delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services. These are funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant, which is currently covered by a temporary national accounting arrangement running until March thirty first two thousand and twenty eight. BCP’s current deficit stands at £183.6 million, with a further shortfall forecast for 2026 to 2027.
The council has asked the government for permission to raise council tax by an extra two point four per cent above the standard limit, or alternatively to use money from the sale of assets to support day to day services. A decision is still awaited.
Councillor Millie Earl said the priority was setting a balanced budget and protecting essential services, adding that SEND pressures were a national issue rather than one created locally.
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