Bournemouth, Political, Poole | Posted on December 5th, 2025 | return to news

Tax rises for new Broadstone, Poole & Bournemouth town councils

BCP Council has revealed how much residents of Broadstone, Poole & Bournemouth will have to pay for new town councils.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have revealed how much new town councils will cost to set up and how much council tax will rise for residents of these areas.

BCP plans for the new Broadstone Town Council, Bournemouth Town Council and Poole Town Council to be launched and operational by 1 April 2026.

According to recommendations set out by BCP councillors, the estimated Council Tax charge for a Band D property in these areas will be:

Broadstone Town Council, £60.41 per year, or £5.03 per month
Poole Town Council, £32.59 per year, or £2.72 per month
Bournemouth Town Council, £29.51 per year, or £2.46 per month

Based on these figures, the new town councils will collect:

Broadstone Town Council, £296,560
Poole Town Council, £1,896,970
Bournemouth Town Council, £1,981,980

These new councils will provide and maintain amenities like parks, playgrounds, and community centres and improve services like street cleaning, lighting and local events. They will replace the existing Charter Trustees in Bournemouth and Poole as a separate tier under BCP Council and will have responsibility for setting their own budgets and priorities.

Plans for the new town councils have proven controversial, with many residents objecting to the initial plans, but BCP Council is proceeding with the proposals.

Cllr Oliver Walters, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, said: “The decision to establish new town councils in Broadstone, Poole and Bournemouth, was reached following a full and thorough democratic process including a vote by Councillors at Council on 14 October 2025.

“These new councils will be uniquely positioned to support local groups, events, and projects that matter most to their communities, supporting community groups, enhancing local amenities, and funding initiatives that bring people together, helping to build vibrant, connected communities.”

Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “These next recommendations are important as town councils can deliver amenities and services for their communities that BCP Council simply cannot because of more than a decade of relentless cuts to local government funding.

“We know people want more community events and festivals, improvements to high streets, more Christmas lights, and more activities for young people.

“Town and parish councils will enable communities to do this – they will allow people to shape and influence how money is spent locally, making sure it aligns to what people want to see happen in their neighbourhoods and towns and be a strong voice on local planning matters.”

BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board will examine the current recommendations on 8 December before the paper is discussed at full Council on 9 December.