Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole | Posted on March 23rd, 2026 | return to news

Residents’ Card is coming to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Local people will be able to enjoy cheaper hot drinks and ice creams, free swimming, and an hour’s free parking.

People living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be able to take advantage of a Residents’ Card which launches this summer.

The name and design for ‘BCP LIFE’ have been chosen to reflect local life in the three towns with graphics that are bold and welcoming, and icons that represent the small everyday perks available from day one, which include: an hour of free parking with any purchased session after 9.30am at select Council-owned car parks, cheaper hot drinks at BCP-run cafés, savings on ice creams at the seafront, and one free swim a month at the council’s leisure centres.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “At BCP Council, we know how important it is to make everyday life a little easier for the people who live here. That’s why we’re excited to share the name and design of the card with our residents.

“BCP LIFE is a simple way to recognise and support those who are proud to call Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole home.

“By putting those residents first, we will be able to protect incomes at the same time as supporting local businesses. The introduction of free swimming ensures everyone has access to facilities that will boost their health and wellbeing, whilst a free hour of parking means our residents will be able to spend more time enjoying everything our three towns have to offer.”

The card will go live in the summer. Full details on how people can sign up to BCP LIFE will be shared nearer the time.