BCP Council has forecast a £27m budget gap for 2026/27, driven largely by rising demand for children's and adults' care, according to a finance report published today.
Despite what it describes as strict spending controls, tightly managed recruitment and ongoing efficiency work, the council says pressures on care services are outpacing savings.
The council is also carrying a roughly £10m annual interest payment linked to the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block, further squeezing funds for local services.
Deputy leader Cllr Mike Cox said Government funding for BCP Council would fall by £15m in real terms by 2028/29, calling the situation ‘simply not sustainable’.
He welcomed Government recognition of the need for SEND and adult social care reform but urged faster action, warning that reserves cannot be relied on indefinitely.
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