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How is Dorset Council's Budget set?

This engagement exercise is now closed.

Dorset Council provides around 450 services to 380,000 residents. 

Such as: 

  • Waste collection 
  • Road maintenance 
  • Planning and housing
  • Libraries 
  • Adult and children’s social care 

  •  

These are just some of the vital services that help our communities run smoothly. 

In 2026/27, Dorset Council’s funding comes mainly from council tax and business rates, which account for 84.4% of total funding, while central government provides only 12.6%. 
 

We do apply for one-off grants. These grants are awarded through competitive bidding processes and have specific uses  

That’s why we rely heavily on council tax and business rates to fund the services we provide.  

This simulator is only looking at the Dorset Council element of your Council Tax bill. 

We have no control over the amounts set by: 

  • Town & Parish Council 
  • Dorset Police
  • Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue