Dorset Council reveals budget plans for 2025/26
They've planned a £39 million increase in spending on services
Dorset Council has set out plans for a £416 million budget for the next financial year.
It includes a £39 million increase in spending in 2025/26 compared to last year, which the local authority say will go into essential services.
The extra funding is broken down as:
- £14.5 million for adult social care and housing services
- £1.5 million for children’s services
- £4 million for Place services including transport, highways and planning services
Dorset Council say they're facing rising pressures on services, such as the growing number of older people who need social care support - with the additional cost of service delivery next year forecast to be £83.4 million in total.
The authority's budget proposals also outline significant cost-saving measures of around £44 million to be delivered in the following ways:
- £12 million across new service grants and income
- £14 million for managing and meeting need differently
- Reducing 3rd party spend by £3 million
- £14.4 million towards operating more efficiently as a council
A 'transformation' plan to streamline council operations has been drawn up, including increased use of technology, better customer service, working more closely with communities, and lower operating costs.
Over the coming years, these changes will result in a slimmer council with fewer staff, with the ideas being discussed at a committee meeting today (Thursday 9th January).
Council tax increase proposed
To support the budget plans, Dorset Council is looking to increase our council tax precept by just under 3%, along with a 2% rise in the adult social care precept.
This works out an additional 24p a day for most households.
That will need to be approved by the Full Council at a meeting next month (11th February).
Cllr Simon Clifford, Cabinet member for Finance and Capital Strategy, said:
“We are making substantial investments in essential services. Since taking leadership of the council last May, we’ve prioritised housing, economic growth, supporting communities, and addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“It continues to be a tough financial climate for councils with inflation, the new requirement to pay higher employee National Insurance costs, and the ever-increasing need for social care services, particularly with our growing older population in Dorset.
“Despite these national financial challenges, we are making tough decisions to secure a strong financial future for Dorset Council and deliver the services our residents need most.”