STREAMLINING customer services and not filling roles when people leave could see Dorset Council recoup up to £10 million in 2025/26.

The council, like many others across the country, is facing increased financial pressures and with no significant increase in government funding, the council needs to save money while delivering around 450 services.

In light of this, Dorset Council has created a three-year project called Our Future Council which they say will make services easier for residents to access and more affordable to run.

They aim to save £10 million in 2025/26.

But how?

The council says its new plan will bring teams that are currently doing similar jobs while using different systems and processes together through a joined-up approach with new technology designed to speed things up and reduce paperwork.

The main area affected by these savings will be how the council handles customer enquiries and internal support services.

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They said a new contact system will allow employees to 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, the council said.

Help will still be available over the phone and in person, and there is support for people who want to learn digital skills.

Councillor Ben Wilson, cabinet member for corporate development and transformation, said the authority will also consider not hiring new people to fill vacancies.

“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 4,700 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.”