A MANIFESTO pledge from the current administration's Liberal Democrats to introduce a residents’ card will not be coming any time soon, a meeting heard. 

The proposed residents’ card was an election pledge made by the Liberal Democrats to offer discounts that would “bring benefits to people who live in BCP”. 

Included in the list were discounted parking charges and use of council facilities for residents within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. 

But this is not being factored into the 2025/26 budget because it is still in the “development stage and there are no costs to be absorbed” for next year's budget. 

Labour councillor Sue Aitkenhead, who is leading a group of cross-party councillors scrutinising the card, said: “The main cost of this when it’s implemented is not going to be in next year’s budget. 

“Next year’s budget is only going to include feasibility work for it.” 

She said the card should have an option to be available in a physical and digital format, costing the same regardless, and those who have it should contribute a “small” financial contribution so it can be self-funding. 

Conservative leader Phil Broadhead said it is “disrespectful” that it has been dropped from this coming year’s budget and that the group is spending time scrutinising something for a future budget. 

He added: "Had we been aware that the administration wasn’t planning on taking forward the residents’ card in this year’s budget and that it was being essentially kicked down the can, this board would’ve made other decisions about really important areas in the budget.” 

Lib Dem Tony Trent said: “A residents’ card is useful and it would be great if we could get other organisations, traders to buy into it.  

“It’s worth having a bit of a wait to get that right.” 

It’s believed that the cost of setting up the residents’ card was in the range of £35,000 to £60,000, with annual running costs between £20,000 and £60,000. 

In addition, the group of councillors said that all council services should be included with the card “ideally” and that paying for council services should be explored for the card.