BCP Council merger 'saves £35 million' says cabinet member

The controversial merger, which formed the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, is expected to save £21 million annually from April 2025.

The BCP Transformation Programme, which began in 2019, has been credited with delivering these savings.

The programme was initiated when the council was created.

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BCP saves £35 million through council merger (Image: Supplied) However, the savings come after a £41 million investment to employ additional staff, modernise buildings and purchase IT equipment and software licences.

The annual savings of £21 million are expected to continue indefinitely.

Councillor Jeff Hanna, BCP's cabinet member for transformation, said: "This is a major achievement.

"Having taken on oversight of the programme only in 2023, I claim no personal credit.

"That goes to our staff, whose hard work and commitment at all levels, has paid off."

However, Councillor Hanna acknowledged that the savings should have resulted in better services for residents.

He said: "I would also understand some cynicism on the part of residents.

"Those savings should have resulted in substantially better services for them.

"Sadly, while our staff have been driving through efficiencies, national government has cut the annual grant that we receive.

"What was £106 million back in 2010, is now just £6 million, a highly damaging cut of £100 million a year in government funding of council services for residents."

The transformation programme has also modernised working practices and improved IT systems.

The council offices have been transformed, IT software and hardware systems have been upgraded and a new website for the single council has been developed.

This includes new systems for residents to contact the council, make payments, seek assistance or report issues.

Councillor Hanna admitted there is still work to be done.

He said: "While the main Transformation programme is being wound up, the intention is to seek continuous improvement, while also resolving some of the remaining issues left over from the merger.

"One immediate priority is achieving agreement on the single pay structure for our staff, with negotiations continuing to get that in place.

"We are also reviewing our use of the various smaller council buildings, to rationalise what is done where.

"The work goes on, as residents rightly expect."