Dorset Council has approved a rise of just under two per cent for the coming year as its share of council tax with an adult social care precept increase of two per cent.  This would be the equivalent of and extra £1.40 per week for a Band D property.

A maximum five per cent increase is available to councils, as outlined in the Government’s Spending Review in December 2022.

However added to this is the precept charged by parish and town councils, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, said: “We have developed this balanced budget in a national context of significant financial challenge. Our overriding aim has been to protect the essential frontline council services on which local residents and businesses rely.

“The proposals do include a council tax increase; however, we have kept to it to the minimum possible despite the current high level of inflation. And we continue to provide a range of support for those residents hardest hit by the cost of living.

“Since becoming a unitary council in 2019, we have made efficiency savings of £76 million. This money has been reinvested to protect frontline services, including funding the growing need for adult social care with our ageing population. Our prudent budget management has meant that Dorset has not faced the same cuts to essential services as many other areas.

“However, we continue to lobby Government for fairer funding for Dorset so that we can reduce the burden on local taxpayers in future.”