Dorset Council sets out £482m budget focused on care, roads and local jobs
Dorset Council has published its 2026/27 budget proposals, setting out £482m of spending on services
Dorset Council has published its budget proposals for 2026/27, setting out plans to invest heavily in care services, road improvements and measures to support the local economy.
The proposals outline a record £482m to run council services across the county, with around 60% of that funding earmarked for care of older people, vulnerable adults and children.
Major road schemes and safety improvements are also included, alongside a freeze on car parking charges for a further year.
Councillor Simon Clifford, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for finance, said the authority was prioritising services most valued by residents, despite ongoing financial pressures.
“We are proud to be investing in services that are highly regarded. Our children’s services are rated outstanding and our recycling is among the best in the country,” he said.
However, he warned that the council continued to face what it describes as unfair funding from central government.
“Even though Dorset is a rural county with the oldest population in the country and poor transport links, this is not recognised by government,” he said. “Dorset deserves fair funding but it is not getting it.”
As a result, council tax will rise by 4.99%, meaning a Band D home will pay an extra £2.02 per week more than last year.
The budget includes additional investment of £12m in adult and housing services, £5m for children’s services and £1.7m to support children and young people with complex needs.
The proposals also set out £67m in capital investment for major projects, including £8m to complete a new recycling centre in Blandford and £7.7m for the Bridport reablement centre.
Cllr Clifford said the council would generate savings through efficiencies and transformation, including simplifying customer services, reducing back-office processes, tightening contract spending and using automation and AI where appropriate.
Long-standing vacant posts will also be removed, with savings reinvested into frontline services.
The budget proposals will be scrutinised by council committees later this month, before being considered by cabinet on the 29th of January.