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 A big decision for Poole: Should we have a Town Council?

This is one of the longest and most in-depth articles we've ever written for PooleNow and it’s because the decision on whether to create a Poole Town Council could shape the future of our town for years to come. So if you’ve got time now, pop the kettle on and have a proper read. If not, scroll to the bottom for a summary and key links so you can have your say before the consultation closes this Sunday.

We have decided to make a rare exception to our ‘no politics’ rule to bring you this special edition about this issue because it matters to Poole. It’s a chance to influence how decisions are made about Poole, who gets to make them, and how we spend our money locally. So we’ve gathered a wide range of views from councillors and our local MP to help residents get informed. We also put a trivia question at the end!

We’ve published everyone’s full, unedited responses separately. This article summarises those views and only includes direct quotes.

Oh and if this is the first time you’ve read PooleNow, our normal issues go out every Tuesday and are full of all the best, positive news, events and happenings around Poole. Sign up for free and you can unsubscribe at any time!

What is being proposed?

BCP Council is currently holding a consultation on whether to create new Town and Parish Councils across the area. Poole used to have its own Borough Council, but this was merged with Bournemouth and Christchurch in 2019 to form BCP Council. Unlike Christchurch, Poole didn’t get its own Town Council. Instead, its civic traditions (like the Mayoralty) were maintained by a group called the Charter Trustees.

Under the proposal:

• A new Poole Town Council would replace the Charter Trustees

• It would cover the whole of the former Borough of Poole (except Broadstone, which is proposed to have its own)

• It would have 42 elected councillors across 17 wards

• It could take on responsibility for things like events, community initiatives, local spaces, and neighbourhood planning

BCP would continue to run statutory services like adult social care, education, and waste collection.

However, the proposal has divided opinion. Some see it as a way to bring decision-making back to Poole. Others see it as an extra cost with unclear benefits.

The case for a Town Council

Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council and a resident of Newtown and Heatherlands, believes the idea is about restoring local democracy:

“At the time, I campaigned against forcing Poole to merge with Bournemouth & Christchurch because I felt it would create a democratic deficit… A Town Council offers us an opportunity to get back many of the services and amenities that have been lost in the merger.”

She says it’s not about duplicating services, but reviving them where BCP can no longer afford to:

“We prioritised protecting services for the most vulnerable… but we have lost a lot that residents value.”

She argues that with BCP focusing on legal obligations like social care, a Town Council could bring back services that have been lost:

"A Town Council offers us an opportunity to get back community projects, events and amenities that have disappeared since the merger."

Neil Duncan-Jordan, Poole’s new MP, agrees that some residents feel Poole has been overlooked:

“One of the most obvious examples is the way in which the civic centre in Poole has been allowed to remain empty for so long.”

And on the wider principle:

“Christchurch can point to the benefits of retaining a civic identity which Poole has lost. Poole is very much a part of Dorset’s history and this should be properly acknowledged.”

Cllr Sue Aitkenhead (Poole Town) adds:

“Poole’s historic identity will be protected as a separate town, not as part of Bournemouth. Town councils can access grant funding not available to BCP and have closer links with local organisations.”

But what about the cost?

This is the biggest concern raised by those opposed, or cautious, about the proposal.

Cllr Judes Butt (Creekmoor) is firmly against the plan:

“This isn’t responsible governance — it’s ambiguity weaponised. Residents face a second Council Tax bill, with no upper limit and no guarantee of value.”

She believes the consultation is misleading:

"There is no financial breakdown, no service-level delivery plan, and no consistent explanation. Residents are being asked to hand over a blank cheque."

Cllr John Challinor (Canford Cliffs) was also sceptical:

“Bills will go up with no limit on how much they can be increased. The current administration are trying to downplay the potential cost to residents.”

Even among those more supportive, there is caution. Cllr Pete Miles (Oakdale) said:

“I am significantly concerned about increases to residents’ Council Tax… but whatever the precept is, it will not be able to be diverted to BCP to cover the deficit in other budgets.”

Neil Duncan-Jordan MP said

“If the Town Council were to take on certain functions previously carried out by BCP, then we should be arguing for some kind of council tax reduction.”

Civic identity and community voice

Many councillors referenced the symbolic and practical importance of Poole having its own voice again.

Cllr Mark Howell, the current Mayor of Poole, said:

“The Charter Trustees have very limited authority… If a Town Council is created, the Mayoralty would be transferred to it and the council would have the ability to promote and invest in heritage and identity. For example, it could rescue a heritage building.”

On community services, he added:

“The real choice is between a continuation of the degradation of such services or the creation of a town council that can invest in them.”

What would a Town Council actually do?

That depends on who gets elected. Town Councils are allowed to provide (and raise funds for) discretionary services. These could include:

• Organising events like Poole Quay fireworks, VE Day celebrations, and markets

• Running youth clubs and community centres

• Supporting charities, community groups and local projects

• Creating neighbourhood plans and influencing planning decisions

• Enhancing public spaces like parks, benches, and town centre areas

Cllr Pete Miles said:

"It will give some control back to Poole... though I have concerns about the number of councillors and costs to residents."

As Cllr Howell noted:

“Whether the increase in Council Tax… will be higher or lower will depend on whether residents elect councillors who want to provide additional services or councillors who want to minimise spending.”

Town councils must legally provide allotments, everything else is optional.

Cllr Earl said:

“I can’t speculate as it will be down to the democratic process… but I would like to see a town council support events and initiatives that benefit our community and make our town a vibrant and caring place to live.”

Cllr Challinor is less optimistic:

“It may help though it’s unlikely to work to the benefit of the whole town.”

Is this really the norm elsewhere?

Yes. There are approximately 9,000 town or parish councils in England. Only 17 areas, including Poole and Bournemouth, use Charter Trustees.

Cllr Walters says:

“[Charter trustees] is what Poole has now and it does not work. What is being proposed is the norm for most people.”

Neil Duncan-Jordan agrees:

"Christchurch can point to the benefits of retaining a civic identity which Poole has lost. This should be properly acknowledged."

Cllr Butts has major concerns about its size:

“Both Poole and Bournemouth are being lined up to have the two largest Town Councils in the UK…There’s been no explanation of the governance structure, no staffing plan, no financial modelling, and no clarity on how services would actually improve at such a scale.”

Northampton Town currently holds claim of being the largest Town Council in the UK, with 24 councillors serving a population of approximately 130,000.

What about the Civic Centre?

This was a sticking point for several contributors. It’s currently for sale — but some would like to see part of it preserved as a civic base for the new council.

Cllr Earl said:

"It currently costs taxpayers £19,000 a month while empty. A paper is coming to Council soon on the options for its sale... I think the Guildhall or community centres would provide better value as a meeting place."

But Mayor Howell disagreed:

“The Civic Centre contains valuable civic and mayoral facilities that have not been re-provided… the part of the building with the civic rooms should be transferred to the Town Council and serve as its civic base and a community centre.”

Have your say

Councillors on both sides agreed on one thing, this decision should reflect the views of residents.

Cllr Pete Miles: “What matters most are the opinions of the residents I represent.”

Cllr Sue Aitkenhead: “I hope that the consultation responses will comment on the details… I’m very determined to ensure that they are studied in detail before decisions are made.”

And Cllr Walters, who chairs the review group, urged people to look past misinformation:

“There’s a lot of misinformation being spread online… I’m just hoping people are developing opinions based on their own research.”

Summary

• BCP Council is consulting on whether to create a new Poole Town Council with 42 elected councillors

• It would replace the current Charter Trustees and could fund local services, events and amenities

• Supporters say it will restore pride, identity and local decision-making to Poole

• Opponents warn of rising Council Tax, duplication and lack of detail

• Many councillors say the cost will depend entirely on what services the new council takes on — and who is elected

• Everyone agrees that residents must take part in the consultation and make their voices heard

Where can I find out more information and complete the survey?

The consultation closes on Sunday 23 June 2025.

First of all, you can read the full detailed, unedited answers to the questions that were sent out. You’ll definitely need another cup of tea for this.

Read the details here: https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/cgr-consultation

You can read the full Information Document published by BCP Council

The survey itself is available here

You can also contact your local councillor to share your views.

You can also watch this piece from last Sunday’s Politics South:

That’s it, thanks for reading, a big thank you to everyone that contributed and took the time to answer our questions. We’ll keep following this issue as it develops. As always, we welcome your thoughts, so please answer the survey below! And don’t worry, we’re back to normal on Tuesday!

 And now, based on everything you’ve read, what do you think?