'Open Forums Set for Public Debate on Bournemouth Council Overhaul'

The SOUTHBOURNE Forum is organizing "neutral" public gatherings aimed at assisting local residents in understanding and interacting with the BCP Council’s preliminary plans for establishing a new parish.

Currently, BCP Council has opened a consultation phase, inviting locals to share their thoughts on the possible establishment of additional community councils, such as one for Southbourne.

Chris Knight, who is the temporary chairman of Southbourne Forum, has spearheaded multiple talks regarding this matter.

He highlighted the significance of attending public gatherings and maintaining an unbiased and well-informed stance.

Mr Knight states that numerous residents are receiving incorrect information regarding the proposals, and his group is working to disseminate accurate details concerning the Southbourne Parish Council plans.

(Image: Chris Knight, Credit: Provided) He stated: "It’s easy for someone to claim there are more cons than pros before understanding what they’re examining."

"The forum are trying to steer an impartial view through things."

A major worry expressed by locals revolves around the funding mechanisms for parish and town councils.

Southbourne Forum explained that these councils receive funding through a precept, an annual payment collected as part of council tax and allocated to the parish by the county council in two six-month instalments.

In addition to the precept, councils can also benefit from a community infrastructure levy (CIL), a charge collected from developers to fund local infrastructure improvements.

An example cited by the forum is Highcliffe & Walkford, a parish slightly smaller than the proposed Southbourne Community Council, which raised £71,035.21 through a CIL in 2020/21 and now budgets approximately £50,000 per year from this source.

Residents are likewise receiving information on how the precept could affect their council tax.

In 2023/24, the precept for Highcliffe & Walkford added £27.46 yearly to Band D households' costs, which amounts to approximately £2.75 each month.

Chris asked, "What's the alternative? Will Southbourne be included as part of the proposed new Bournemouth Town Council?"

The forum seeks to offer transparent and unbiased information, enabling locals to reach a well-considered conclusion prior to the close of consultations.

People living here are being urged to join in and voice their opinions about how Southbourne should be run going forward.