A Dorset Council tax increase of five per cent went though with no debate and only a handful of votes against.

It will mean Dorset remaining one of the most expensive in the country for the tax – but should ensure that key services are maintained, at least for now.

So what did opposition groups have to say about the rise?

Lib Dem leader Cllr Nick Ireland (Owermoigne) said the budget package failed to tackle long-term underfunding in adult and children's services, even with the three per cent social care rise.

He described the government funding formula as 'inequitable' and said the increase being imposed would have a great impact on Dorset residents who could ill-afford another increase in their outgoings.

Cllr Ireland said there would also be consequences from ongoing budget cuts in some departments and was worried that an £18m overspend this year would have to be taken from reserve funds, leaving them more depleted for the future.

Green group leader Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) said she accepted the five per cent rise was 'regrettably necessary' but said that even with the increases there was insufficient funds to improve the life chances of many of Dorset's young people who, she said, were suffering disproportionately because of the pandemic.

She reminded the council of the 2016 £1.5m cut to the youth services and the consequences that resulted from that, including Weymouth and Portland youth centres being cut from eight to two.

Cllr Sutton asked for money to be found to support youth work across the county including re-opening centres, when that was possible, and helping those still open to thrive and survive.

She said she would also like to see better public transport in the county and further investment in renewables.

"We will continue to work closely with colleagues across the chamber to urge greater investment in projects which not only help us protect our planet and our children's futures but also make life better for Dorset residents right now."

Independent group leader Cllr Les Fry (Dorchester) also supported the budget but said he feared for the consequences of the extra charges on those who would struggle to pay the bills.

He said that without the increase, services would have to be cut, creating a longer term problem for everyone.

"We all have our personal priorities, and climate change is one of mine, but we can still make a real difference in these areas, even with a challenging budget by careful planning and proactive work…it's not always about money, it's about action sometimes and there is a lot of work going on," he said.

Cllr Fry said he would also welcome more support for youth work.