Budget priorities and financial strategy
Our annual budget-setting process and medium-term financial plan are aligned to the Council Plan strategic priorities. This ensures the appropriate allocation of staffing, assets and financial resources (capital and revenue) to achieve those priorities.
We continue to face a challenging financial position, with rising demand for services, inflationary pressures and reduced funding from government. The budget setting process requires creativity, innovation, and robust prioritisation and planning.
How the budget is funded
The budget total is £376.7 million, you can view the sources of funding using the pie chart or the table.
Sources of funding
| Source of funding | Budget / percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax | £307.9 million (81.8%) |
The money we receive from our residents to pay for the services we provide |
| Retained Business Rates | £64 million (17%) | The money we receive from businesses such as shops, offices, hotels and factories, to pay for the services we provide |
| Other | £4.1 million (1%) | A number of smaller, specific grants such as the Rural Services Delivery and New Homes Bonus |
| Revenue Support Grant | £0.7m (0.2%) | The funding we receive from central Government in the form of Revenue Support Grant |
How the budget is spent
How Dorset Council's budget is allocated.Adult Social Care
£148.3 millionChildren's Social Care
£67.7 millionStreet cleaning, waste collection and disposal
£33.5 millionTravel
£40.1 millionEducation and learning
£12.8 millionCommissioning and partnerships
£3.9 millionCustomer services, libraries and archives
£7.8 millionEnvironment and climate
£8.2 millionHighways and parking
£5.7 millionCommunities and public protection
£3.7 millionPlanning
£6.2 millionProperties
£2.7 millionHousing
£6.1 millionSupporting businesses and creating jobs
£2.2 millionCorporate services and central finance*
£27.8 million
*includes revenues and benefits, finance, procurement, human resources, IT, legal and democratic services.
Total budget
£376.7 million
We are committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency.