Frustrations rise as BCP Council propose tax increase

BCP have proposed a new rise in council tax for residents.

If council tax does rise by the currently permitted 4.99% in 2026/2027, residents will begin paying £1,947.99 compared to the £2,060 assumed national average, now being estimated by the government. 

BCP councillors from Reform UK condemned the proposal and highlighted their worry over a lack of public consultation on the matter.

They say that local residents are being asked to pay significantly more while gaining less, ending community events such as the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council said: “After the budget, and before we had seen the detail in the Local Government Financial Settlement, the government asked councils to express an interest in flexibility around council tax. Although it’s not something we want to do, it is prudent to explore all options to ensure vital services remain in place.”

BCP Council are still waiting for the government to release details on some aspects of the financial settlement before a final decision is made on applying for council tax flexibility.

Cllr Millie Earl added: “ We will carefully consider the impact any rise might have on all of our residents. Any potential increase will still place council tax for BCP residents below the national average for a council tax bill and we currently sit well within the bottom half of unitary authorities when comparing the average council tax cost of a Band D property.”