Bournemouth, Christchurch, Political, Poole | Posted on November 26th, 2025 | return to news

Help BCP Council to shape its budget

Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can take part in a survey to give their views on council spending.

With the Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivering her Budget today, finance is on everyone’s minds.

Now residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have until 11.59pm on Sunday 14 December to help shape the future of BCP Council’s budget ahead of the next financial year.

Residents are invited to look at all key council services, from supporting vulnerable adults and children to maintaining highways and indicate if they would like to see a spending increase or decrease in these areas.

People visiting the survey page can also tell the authority what they think are its most important services, and for their views on Council Tax rates.

The findings of this public consultation will help inform decisions on how the council sets it budget for 2026/7 and beyond.

BCP Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Mike Cox said: “We want residents to be involved in local decisions that affect them, their family and their community, and that’s why we want to hear directly from everyone through this consultation.”

Ahead of the Budget, the leader of BCP Council Millie Earl warned government of the unsustainable pressure placed on councils by the continued delays in resolving the funding of SEND services. BCP Council faces a £183 million hole in its finances due to debt built up to pay for its SEND services.

Cllr Earl said: “We understand the government inherited this complex challenge – which stems from the result of deep-rooted, systemic failings in how SEND provision is funded and supported nationally – but understanding is not enough. We need urgent action.”

People can complete the survey and submit their ideas by visiting bcpcouncil.gov.uk/budget

Hard copies are also available at local libraries.

Tags: #bcpcouncil