Understanding the Difference Between Bournemouth Town Council & BCP Council

With the introduction of Bournemouth Town Council, many residents are understandably asking:

“What does the Town Council do?” and “What is still handled by BCP Council?”

Below is a simple guide to help explain the difference.

Bournemouth Town Council

Bournemouth Town Council focuses on very local community matters and neighbourhood representation.

Current responsibilities include:

• Allotments and community growing spaces
• Representing local community views
• Supporting neighbourhood initiatives
• Community engagement and local events
• Working with local groups and organisations
• Helping shape smaller local projects and improvements

Important to know:

At present, Bournemouth Town Council has limited direct powers, with allotments currently one of its main formal responsibilities. However, responsibilities may expand over time.

BCP Council

BCP Council remains the main unitary authority responsible for delivering major local government services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Responsibilities include:

• Roads and highways
• Waste collection and recycling
• Planning applications and enforcement
• Housing and homelessness services
• Schools and education
• Social care and safeguarding
• Council tax and major budgets
• Beaches, tourism and economic development
• Parking and transport policy

How the Two Councils Work Together

The two councils are separate organisations but will work alongside each other where responsibilities overlap. Town Councillors provide an additional local layer of representation focused on neighbourhood level issues, while BCP Councillors remain responsible for wider council services and strategic decisions.

Who Should I Contact?

Contact your Town Councillor for:

• Community ideas and local initiatives
• Neighbourhood concerns
• Allotments and local community matters
• Local events and engagement opportunities

Contact your BCP Councillor for:

• Planning issues
• Roads, potholes and highways
• Waste and recycling
• Housing and social care
• Major council services and policies

Clear communication is important, and we hope this guide helps residents better understand the new structure of local government in Bournemouth.