Outrage as cash-strapped council says it could actually’t afford to placed on an Armed Forces Day – regardless of 6.74% tax hike and hiring new chief government on £205k wage

Residents are outraged after a cash-strapped Liberal Democrat council announced it can not afford to put on an Armed Forces Day event.

BCP Council, in Dorset, said it could not organise its own official event for the annual commemoration on June 27 because it needs to protect essential services.

But angry residents pointed out they have just hiked council tax by 6.74 per cent, one of the largest increases in the country, and last year hired a new chief executive on a salary of £205,000.

The same local authority council provoked criticism last year when they said there was no money left to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Poole.

And, together with Dorset Council, BCP is also in the middle of spending £120million of public money laying almost 50 miles of new cycle paths in the region.

Residents took to social media to say that, with the uncertainty of the Iran War, it was now more important than ever to show their support to the Armed Forces.

Army veteran Lee Pollitt said: ‘I suppose if all us veterans got together for a march and call it a protest they would have no way to object.

‘I guess a march against BCP’s treatment of Armed Forces would be a good cause.’

David Cartmale said: ‘There have, of course, to be priorities but in the current world climate I would have thought this should have been supported.’

Tim Newham added: ‘Don’t worry, council tax is going up by over 6 per cent. So there will be plenty available for next year’s one.’

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) opened applications to get grants of up to £10,000 depending on the size and format of the event.

The grant is match-funded and paid post event on submission and approval of event receipts and expenditure.

The funding can be used to cover road closures to allow for parades and marches, branded decorations, local and national promotion, security and first aid at events, insurance, and communications systems.

Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s cabinet member for destination, leisure & commercial operations said: ‘We have recently taken our budget for the next financial year through full council, and at this stage we do not have any funds allocated for Armed Forces Day to support a match funded bid.

‘Our budget is focused on protecting the services our residents rely on, particularly those that support our most vulnerable communities.

‘We do, however, recognise the importance of Armed Forces Day and will continue to review opportunities for future years should resources allow.

‘Any organisation that wants to organise an event for Armed Forces Day can apply for this money, and we would encourage relevant bodies to do so.

‘Our events team would be happy to help any application for an event on BCP land as normal.’