Dorset Council outlines plans to invest in roads, care and employment

Dorset Council has unveiled its proposed budget for 2026/27, setting out plans to channel significant funding into adult and children’s care, transport infrastructure, and measures designed to support the local economy.

The proposals show a total service budget of £482m, the highest ever allocated by the authority. Around three fifths of this funding will be directed towards care services for older residents, vulnerable adults, and children.

Investment is also planned for road upgrades and safety improvements across the county, while car parking charges are set to remain unchanged for another year.

Council tax is proposed to increase by 4.99%, which would see households in a Band D property paying an additional £2.02 per week compared with the previous year.

“We are proud to be investing in services that are highly valued by our residents and highly regarded by independent inspectors – our children’s services are rated as “outstanding” and our recycling is among the best in the country,” said Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Simon Clifford.

“We are very open about the unfair funding we get from government – this means that we have no choice but to raise council tax each year. Even though Dorset is a rural county, with the oldest population in the country and poor transport links, this is not recognised by government. Dorset deserves fair funding – but it is not getting it.”

According to the budget documents, additional funding will be allocated to key service areas, including £12m for adult and housing services, £5m for children’s services, and £1.7m to support children and young people with complex needs.

The council also expects efficiency measures and service transformation to deliver substantial savings, which will then be reinvested directly into frontline provision.

Alongside day-to-day spending, the plans include £67m for capital projects and major building schemes. This includes £8m to complete the new recycling centre in Blandford, £6m to finish major safety works at Dinah’s Hollow near Shaftesbury, £7.7m for the Bridport reablement centre, and £0.5m for new pedestrian and cycle links in Wimborne.

The proposals also outline a drive to streamline customer services, reduce administrative overheads, tighten contract management, and make sensible use of automation and artificial intelligence. Long-standing vacant posts are also expected to be removed as part of the approach.

The draft budget will be reviewed by the People and Health Scrutiny Committee on 21 January and the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee on 22 January. Final recommendations will be presented to Cabinet on 29 January, with all supporting papers published on the Dorset Council website.