Elections for newly created town councils for Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole will take place on 7 May 2026. The first term is for 5 years and elections will be held every 4 years after the first term.
We agreed to create new town councils following a community governance review. The new town councils legally came into existence on 1 April 2026.
Town councils are a type of parish council and are the closest level of government to residents. They focus on local priorities, community facilities and representing local people. Decisions are made in public meetings, and they can raise money through a precept (a separate amount shown on your Council Tax bill). They can also apply for funding and work with us and local organisations.
As a resident, you will be able to:
- attend council meetings
- contribute to local priorities
- engage directly with your new councillors
You can view a map of the new town council boundaries and wards.
Find out more about how to vote in the town council elections.
What town councils do
Town and parish councils can provide, improve or help fund services and facilities that matter locally. What each council does can vary but generally includes:
- representing local views and feeding into decisions that affect the area
- looking after or supporting community facilities and small local amenities including community centres, parks and green spaces, play areas, public seating, noticeboards and some toilets
- running or supporting local events and community activities
- providing grants and funding to local voluntary and community groups
- managing or supporting allotments and community assets (where these are transferred or provided locally)
- being consulted on planning applications and local development proposals
Town councils will not take over major services such as waste and recycling, social care, highways or planning decisions.
In the future, some services or facilities could be managed locally by town councils if all parties agree, including:
- small local amenities
- community buildings or assets
- local grants and community events
Allotments
Allotments must be transferred to town councils by law. There will be no changes to the services you receive if you have an allotment.
How town councils are funded
Town councils are funded through a precept which is detailed on your Council Tax bill.
The Band D precepts for 2026 to 2027 are:
- Broadstone: £60.34 per year
- Poole: £32.56 per year
- Bournemouth: £29.47 per year
The Band D charge is calculated by dividing the total budget amount by the Council Tax base. The Council Tax base is the calculated number of chargeable dwellings in the area, adjusted for discounts, exemptions, and Council Tax bands.
These are an addition to the main Council Tax.
Town council budgets
The first-year precepts (the amount collected through Council Tax) are:
- Broadstone: £296,560
- Poole: £1,896,970
- Bournemouth: £1,981,980
Each town council will set its own budget and decide how it spends money on local priorities.
Before the elections
Between 1 April 2026 and 7 May 2026 there is a period while the new councils prepare to take on their functions. These 'shadow' councils work on:
- setting up governance, policies and systems
- preparing for the first meetings
- establishing arrangements to welcome and induct the elected councillors
After the elections
After councillors are elected, each town council will hold its first meetings, appoint key roles (such as chair or mayor) and agree its priorities.