Dorset Council has recorded its lowest number of people sleeping rough in the area since 2022, with a recent annual count identifying 14 individuals, a decrease from 15 the previous year.
The decline in rough sleeper numbers contrasts with upward trends observed regionally and nationally, according to local officials. The figures come as the council prepares to implement a significant transformation plan aimed at streamlining operations and securing the long-term sustainability of services.
Dorset Council is currently operating under a £416 million budget for 2025/26, approved following committee meetings in February. This budget represents a £39 million increase in spending compared to the previous year, with allocations including £14.5 million for adult social care and housing services, £1.5 million for children’s services, and £4 million for Place services encompassing transport, highways, and planning.
Despite the increased funding, the council faces substantial financial pressures, estimating an additional £83.4 million in service delivery costs for the coming year. These pressures are exacerbated by a growing population of older residents requiring social care support. To address this, the council is pursuing cost-saving measures totaling approximately £44 million, focusing on new service grants and income generation (£12 million), alternative approaches to meeting needs (£14 million), reduced third-party spending (£3 million), and increased operational efficiency (£14.4 million).
The council’s transformation plan, building on initiatives since its formation in 2019, seeks to revolutionize operations through increased technology adoption, improved customer service, closer collaboration with communities, and reduced operating costs. The plan anticipates a reduction in staff numbers over the coming years as operations are streamlined. A key component of this plan is a focus on saving £10 million in running costs during 2025/26.
The transformation plan aims to streamline council operations, ensuring the future sustainability of services and delivering optimal outcomes for residents. The plan’s objectives include revolutionizing operations, technology, processes, and structures to better serve customers, according to council documents.
Further details of the budget and transformation plan were discussed at council committee meetings throughout February, with the final budget approved on February 11th. The council has not yet released specific details regarding the impact of the transformation plan on rough sleeper outreach programs or related support services.
