Rising demand for care is putting further pressure on BCP Council’s finances.
A report on the council’s 2025 and 2026 financial performance says adults’ and children’s services spent more than planned after more people needed support during the year.
The council ended the financial year with a £4.6 million gap, which will be covered from reserves after savings, spending controls and underspends elsewhere helped reduce the overall pressure.
Councillor Mike Cox, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said the Government must “recognise the true scale of care needs” and provide the funding needed to support vulnerable people.
The number of children in BCP Council care rose by 87 last year, compared with an increase of 17 the year before, bringing the total number of children in care to 643.
Councillor Cox said “behind these figures are real people”, including children who need protection, older people who want to keep their independence, and others needing care at vulnerable points in life.
Children’s Services recorded an additional £9.1 million above budget, while Adult Services had a net overspend of £5.6 million, driven by more people needing support across care services.
The council says it has delivered £8.7 million of savings and reduced spending in other areas, but Councillor Cox warned that “efficiencies alone cannot keep pace with rising demand”.
Council leader Councillor Millie Earl has written to the Government asking for urgent attention on the national funding issue.
A copy of the report is available here.
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