Transformation business case to be reviewed by Dorset councillors

Dorset Council has developed a comprehensive transformation plan, “Our Future Council” (OFC), to streamline how it works. The plan includes using more technology and working closer with communities to improve council services and reduce operating costs. Dorset Council’s Cabinet will review the plan at the end of January.

The council has worked with a strategic partner, PwC, to conduct detailed research on how it currently works, using data and insight to review all existing transformation and financial plans, as well as where there are opportunities to use technology to improve services.

The council is under significant pressure due to the demand for certain services, the cost of delivering them and changes to the way the council is funded. By working in a different way, the plan aims to make sure services are financially sustainable, fit for the future, and work for everyone in Dorset.

The OFC business case sets out how the council will work differently in future, including a new operating model for the council and approach to implementation. This new model has been designed to tackle the particular challenges faced by Dorset Council and deliver better services for residents, that are able to cope with ongoing financial pressures. By investing in technology and centralising some operations, residents will be able to access more council services at their convenience, either online or over the phone and services will work more efficiently, with less staff required to manually handle some internal processes.

At the start of the year, Dorset Council unveiled proposals for setting the £417 million budget for 2025/26.  This includes a £39 million increase in spending from last year, protecting essential services for residents, especially vulnerable children and adults.

Our Future Council aims to reduce the cost of running the council by £10 million in 2025/26 by changing the way the council works to make sure services are financially sustainable for the future and delivering the best outcomes for everyone in Dorset. Over the coming years, the council will work more efficiently, resulting in a leaner council with fewer staff.

Cllr Ben Wilson, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation said:

“We have been transparent about our financial pressures and must find ways to deliver the services that our residents value most in a way that is fit for the future.

“As the world evolves, many people prefer accessing services, obtaining information, and making payments at their convenience. Increased use of technology across the council will not only help many of our residents to do that, but will also free up time for staff to help those who need it most, especially those who are not able to access services online. It doesn’t mean we will become a faceless council, we will continue to provide residents with a personal service catered to their individual needs.”

Over the next few weeks the budget, including the proposals in the OFC business case will continue to be reviewed at the following meetings:

6:30pm, Tuesday 28 January - Cabinet

6:30pm, Tuesday 11 February - Full Council

These committee meetings can be viewed online and in person. View the calendar and joining details on our website: Monthly meetings calendar - February 2025 - Dorset Council.