Bournemouth Town Council will examine next year’s precept through a committee report after councillors delayed a proposal to commit to no rise for residents. A proposed council tax precept freeze in Bournemouth will be reviewed before councillors make a decision. The proposal from Councillor Jeff Hanna asked the council to build its 2027/28 budget on the basis that its precept would not rise, and the precept is the part of council tax that funds town and parish council services. Reform campaigned in the May local elections on not increasing the precept, and Councillor Hanna said residents w
A proposed council tax precept freeze in Bournemouth will be reviewed before councillors make a decision.
The proposal from Councillor Jeff Hanna asked the council to build its 2027/28 budget on the basis that its precept would not rise, and the precept is the part of council tax that funds town and parish council services.
Reform campaigned in the May local elections on not increasing the precept, and Councillor Hanna said residents who were facing pressure on household budgets could be reassured now that there would be “no increase”.
Councillor Hanna criticised the delay, saying the council should budget within funds already available, and described leaving open the possibility of a rise as “sheer incompetence”, although the proposal will now receive further committee scrutiny.
Councillor Kieron Franklin said Reform’s promise of no precept increase “hasn’t changed”, but said councillors needed a full budget picture because other spending proposals were also being considered at the same meeting.
The issue has been referred to the Finance, Governance and Staffing Committee, where a written report will be prepared before councillors make a decision, and Councillor Franklin said residents deserve a council that “keeps its promises and can show its working”.
