BCP Council says rising care demand and reduced government funding have created a forecast budget gap, with cabinet due to review the latest finance report in September. A £27m forecast budget gap has been set out by BCP Council for 2026/27. The finance report, published today, says reduced government funding is adding pressure as demand grows for services supporting children and adults across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, despite work to reduce spending and run services more efficiently. Strict spending controls are in place, recruitment is being tightly managed, and the council say
A £27m forecast budget gap has been set out by BCP Council for 2026/27.
The finance report, published today, says reduced government funding is adding pressure as demand grows for services supporting children and adults across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, despite work to reduce spending and run services more efficiently.
Strict spending controls are in place, recruitment is being tightly managed, and the council says its improvement and innovation work is being used to find savings, reduce running costs and manage demand.
Extra pressure is also linked to the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block, including an annual interest payment of around £10m, which the council says leaves less money available for local services.
Councillor Mike Cox, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said councils are "at the sharp end" of a national funding crisis, with funding for adult and children's care not keeping pace with need.
He said government funding for BCP Council will reduce by £15m in real terms by 2028/29 and described the position as "not sustainable" if demand and inflation continue to rise, while using reserves remains a "last resort" for local services.
The 2026/27 Council Budget Monitoring Q1 report is due to be considered by cabinet on 2 September, after £14m of planned savings and efficiencies were identified for 2026/27, alongside controls on spending described as non essential. See more information here.
