BCP Council has approved a £457 million budget alongside a council tax increase of 6.7 per cent.
Total spending for the year is expected to reach £985 million, with £678 million coming from sources including business rates and government grants, while council tax is forecast to generate £307 million to support local services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Adult social care remains the largest area of spending, with £164 million allocated to support vulnerable adults, including £92.8 million for long term care placements and £70.3 million for mental health needs and learning disabilities, reflecting the council’s legal responsibilities in this area.
Support for children and young people will cost £117.6 million, including £46.7 million for children in care, £8.5 million for legal protection processes and £5.2 million for emergency safeguarding referrals handled by the council’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.
Everyday services including waste collection, parks, transport and planning are set to cost £56.9 million, while central services such as IT, finance and legal functions will total £49.9 million, with a focus on digital systems investment.
Residents will also see additional precepts this year for new town councils, along with contributions towards policing and fire services.
