Councillor speaks out against proposed town councils in Bournemouth

A Bournemouth councillor has spoken out after BCP Council went ahead with plans for new town councils for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Broadstone.

This controversial move – voted through at a meeting on Tuesday – comes after close to 4000 people signed a petition calling for the plans to be delayed until the 2027 local elections.

Some have accused the council of ignoring public opinion as there has not been a call for town councils.

BCP Reform councillor for Kinson Cameron Adams said: “I am absolutely furious at the way this administration has completely disregarded the views of 2000 people who took time to complete their consultation as well as the 4000 who signed the petition. Their decision has shown they do not care about the people of Bournemouth and Poole that they claim to represent.”

John Pearce, deputy leader of Poole Reform, added: “One of the main reasons this was pushed through is to save money but only about 25 percent of the budget is spent towards the town with about 70 percent being spent on administration.”

The proposed new town councils are set to handle local amenities like parks and cemeteries. However unlike with the BCP council tax which can only increase by 4.99 percent per year there is no limit on Town Council tax increase.

These town councils are set to come into effect from April 1, 2026.

Buzz News contacted Mike Cox and Sandra Moore, Liberal Democrat councillors, for a statement but they were unavailable for comment.

Previously, Cllr Moore told the BBC that the new town councils would restore civic pride and identity and Cllr Cox added that the cost would be small.

Council leader Millie Earl is on the record as saying she was proud to put power back in the hands of communities.