Bournemouth residents will be getting an hour of free parking and discounts at local businesses with the introduction of the resident card in summer 2026.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s proposal has been designed to put the residents and local businesses of the town first.
Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council said: “The scheme will revitalise our town centres and directly benefit those living in BCP.”
The resident card will offer one free swim a month at a BCP managed leisure centre, 10 per cent off at seafront kiosks and an hour of free parking after purchasing a ticket in surface car parks.
Local businesses will also be able to set their own perks and discounts under the plan.
Cllr Earl hopes that once the scheme has been rolled out it will help groups such as care experienced young people and people that don’t normally have access to the local amenities.
By offering the discount the council hopes that more people will use the local businesses in Bournemouth.
There were concerns around the cost of the card because of the cost-of-living crisis.
However, Cllr Earl emphasised that the card will be managed under the council’s tight budget and will benefit companies under the scheme over time.
The council are also hoping to work with companies locally such as Beryl and Morebus.
Beryl are currently in partnership with the BCP until 2028.
The scheme is still in the early stages, and it is not known if the card will be digital or physical.
The proposal will be debated in council on October 14.
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