Dorset Council sets out plans to modernise services and reduce costs

Dorset Council has started consultation with employees on proposals to modernise services.

Like many other councils across the country, Dorset Council is facing further financial pressures. With no significant increase in government funding expected in the coming years, the council needs to save money while still delivering around 450 services.

The council has developed a three-year project called ‘Our Future Council’. The aim is to make services easier for residents to access, more efficient, and more affordable to run. The goal is to save £10 million in 2025/26.

Right now, some teams across the council are doing similar jobs using different systems and processes. The new plan will bring these teams together, use technology to speed things up, and reduce paperwork. This means employees will have more time to help the people who need it most.

Most changes will affect how the council handles customer enquiries and internal support services. For example, a new contact system will mean employees see a resident’s past interactions with the council, in one place, while also protecting sensitive information. This will help them give quicker, more joined-up support. More services will also be available online, for those who want to use them.

But the council knows not everyone is able to use the internet. That’s why there will still be help available over the phone and in person, and there is support for people who want to learn digital skills.

Cllr Ben Wilson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Development and Transformation, said:

“We’ve listened to feedback from residents and colleagues to shape these plans. People have told us they want a simpler, joined-up way to contact the council about their services and the plan is to make things easier and more efficient.

“We know change can be difficult. We’re taking a phased approach which means initially, around 500 colleagues will be consulted this year on possible changes to the way they work. Proposals being shared with colleagues this week include a reduction of a limited number of roles in this phase of the programme as part of the wider effort to streamline how we work and reduce costs. The council currently employs more than 4700 people.

“We’re committed to supporting colleagues through this process, with clear support options and the chance to help shape how service will look. We’re doing everything we can to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies, including offering voluntary options and not filling some roles when people leave.”

The first internal changes are expected in October 2025. Over time, services will become easier to access and more joined-up. This means residents will continue to receive the support they need, as we make improvements.