THE interim Conservative leader of BCP Council has tabled an amendment to his party’s own budget proposals in his first day in the job.

Cllr Philip Broadhead said extra money from the local government finance settlement for 2023/24 would allow the council to “protect some of the important” council services.

In an email to councillors, Cllr Broadhead said: “It keeps our continued investment in culture and our place offerings, and also helps to meet some of the challenges we face ahead, such as the changes undergoing our core high streets.”

The interim council leader said the entirely funded amendment had been endorsed by chief finance officer Adam Richens.

Cllr Broadhead said the additional £546,000 from the settlement would ensure grants for cultural organisations, such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, would remain in place, save funding towards Christmas trees and decorations in neighbourhood areas, and protect paddling pools.

He said it would also maintain grants for Citizens Advice and Community Action Network, provide revenue funds to kickstart replacing Poole Crematorium’s cremators and create a new high street renewal fund.

“As mentioned, these improvements are entirely funded, endorsed by our section 151 and further help to deliver on our services and ambitions during these tough times.

“I would remind colleagues that our budget also increases unearmarked reserves to the recommended five per cent level as deemed best practice, and avoids many of the swathing services cuts and closures seen by many local authorities around the country.”