Conservatives in BCP are calling for an urgent U-turn on the Lib Dems’ proposal for an unprecedented council tax hike of 6.74%.  This figure is above the capped figure of 4.99% which appears to have been covertly negotiated with the Labour Government without any wider Councillor or public involvement. In turn this has avoided scrutiny and escaped facing the required public referendum when council tax proposals are above 5%.

We are urging the Lib Dem’s 3 Towns Alliance, which also includes independent political parties, to reverse the proposed increase. We argue that households across BCP are already facing significant financial pressures, especially now with the extra layer of tax being forced upon residents due to the unwanted Town Councils. This double taxation will place an unacceptable burden on already struggling working people, families and pensioners

The proposed tax hike is excessive, unnecessary and out of touch with the pressures facing local people. It appears as if the Lib Dems are addicted to tax hikes as the only solution to budget pressures. This is not right and we are calling on the Liberal Democrat Leader to listen to BCP residents and urgently consider reversing this proposal.

The message is clear. BCP residents should not be expected to pay for the consequences of the administration’s financial choices. Choices which include extra paid roles for 3 Town Alliance Councillors. Costly consultations which have been ignored such as those for Town Councils and the Closure of Whitecliff Gate - vehicular access in Poole Park.  And of course, the unaffordable increase in councillors’ allowances, which was pushed through by the Lib Dems and included a whopping inflation busting 27% increase for the Leader of the Council.

Official figures show that BCP’s income has increased by over £100m since its creation and consequently, Conservatives  in BCP do not feel that this raid on the pockets of residents is fair or proportionate. We believe that the financial decisions made by the Lib Dems’ 3 Town Alliance have contributed to the current financial situation which has left them unable to balance the books. Residents should not be asked to bear the burden of financial mismanagement. Residents should not have to accept receiving less services despite paying more. We urge you to sign the petition so that the Conservatives can emphatically represent your views and your concerns to the Council on 24th February 2026.