DORSET Council taxpayers face a maximum increase in their bills from April – with a likely loss of jobs at County Hall.

The Lib Dem administration, which took control of the authority last year, say despite hard times and squeezed spending they aim to spend an extra £39million in the financial year.

Much of that increase will go to vulnerable adults and children's services where demand for help continues to grow.

It will be the first time that the council's day-to-day budget spending has increased beyond £400million – at a record £416million, equivalent to almost £1.2million for every day of the year.

Part of the blame is being placed with the Government – with Dorset continuing to get one of the lowest financial settlements in the country, something which the previous, Conservative, administration , also railed against.

A council news release says: "The additional cost of service delivery next year is forecast to be £83.4 million. Yet council funding is set and limited by Government and this sum is not affordable."

Because of the extra spending needed the authority will have to make savings of around £44million in the coming financial year.

Part of that process involves a re-set on the way the council operates and will also mean an increase for most council fees and charges.

The savings requirement will not only affect jobs at the council, with Unison warning already that lower-paid jobs for women are expected to be disproportionately lost, but could also knock on to local businesses, with £3million being taken out of what is described as "third party spend."

Dorset Council is hoping for big savings through more use of information technology – which will probably result in more multiple questions from a machine when calling for help, before eventually reaching a council officer.

Said a council news release on the forthcoming changes: "The council has developed a transformation plan to streamline operations including increased use of technology, better customer service, working more closely with communities, and lower operating costs. Over the coming years, these changes will result in a slimmer council with fewer staff."

Unison says that council amount to hundreds of job losses over the next 4-5 years.

Not all are likely to be at lower grades.

Cllr Simon Clifford, who heads the council's finance portfolio, is on record saying that Dorset Council is 'top-heavy' compared to similar authorities when it comes to the most senior posts.

But unless higher grade officers leave of their own volition slimming the number of top jobs could become expensive – with redundancy packages for top jobs previously running in excess of £1million, per person.

Said Cllr Simon Clifford, Cabinet member for Finance and Capital Strategy: "We are making substantial investments in essential services. Since taking leadership of the council last May, we've prioritised housing, economic growth, supporting communities, and addressing the climate and nature crisis.

"It continues to be a tough financial climate for councils with inflation, the new requirement to pay higher employee National Insurance costs, and the ever-increasing need for social care services, particularly with our growing older population in Dorset.

"Despite these national financial challenges, we are making tough decisions to secure a strong financial future for Dorset Council and deliver the services our residents need most."The Details (could be used as a panel)According to Dorset Council their additional funding includes:£14.5 million for adult social care and housing services

£1.5 million for children's services, and

£4 million for Place services including transport, highways and planning services.

Cost-saving measures of around £44 million have been identified to be delivered in the following ways:

new service grants and income – £12 million

managing and meeting need differently – £14 million

reducing 3rd party spend – £3 million

and operating more efficiently as a council – £14.4 million

To support these initiatives, the council proposes a council tax increase of just under 3 per cent and a 2 per cent adult social care precept. This equates to an additional 24p a day for most households. Details will be available with council tax bills in March and online after the budget is approved at Full Council on 11 February.

The public meetings when the budget is considered will be:

10am, Thursday 16 January – People and Health Scrutiny Committee

2pm, Friday 17 January – Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee

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 at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/councillors-committees-elections/councillors-committees-and-elections