Plans to save £1.3M from children’s services in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been reviewed by councillors.
BCP Council’s overview and scrutiny board examined the proposed savings for 2026/27 before the budget goes to cabinet and full council. Members agreed to consider each section separately to allow detailed scrutiny of the potential impact on residents.
New proposals include bringing in alternatively qualified practitioners to replace agency social workers, relocating the multi agency safeguarding hub and using artificial intelligence to support translation services.
Lisa Linscott, director of education and skills, said forthcoming SEND reforms from the government are expected to support children and young people at an earlier stage and reduce reliance on more costly statutory services. She warned that reducing provision to statutory services alone would create cost pressures.
Juliette Blake, director of children and social care, said the service continues to face high demand and remains above the national average, although work is ongoing to bring figures down.
Members were told artificial intelligence use is subject to governance sign off and testing. Councillors backed the recommendations and called for a review of consultation questions for next year’s budget.
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