Latest news

With the cost of parking set to rise from 3 April this year, there are ways to save money when using Dorset Council car parks. 

A three-month consultation on a new way of delivering day opportunities across Dorset has gone live today (11 March). The Hub and Spoke Day Opportunities model consultation, which will run until 9 June, looks at changing the way that Dorset delivers day services by…

“Extended Access” has been introduced for library users in Verwood Library.  Membership allows entry outside normal opening hours and access to most services beyond staffed hours.

Dorset Council is inviting the local business community to help shape its new economic growth strategy. Growing the economy is a key priority for the council and it wants to work with the business community to ensure the future success of the county.

A special flag flying ceremony to honour this year’s Commonwealth Day is taking place at County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 10 March.

Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are invited to an interactive online session about education options with senior members of the Dorset Council SEND team.  The session will take place on 13 March at 11:30 am, and families can …

Families in North Dorset now have access to even greater support, thanks to the grand opening of The Vale Family Hub.  Families were welcomed for the first time at the weekend? as part of a special community day, complete with a stilt walker to add to the celebrations!  …

Sunday 9 March 2025 is the National Day of Reflection across the UK for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the announcement that Chief Executive, Matt Prosser, will be leaving Dorset Council in March to take up the role of Chief Executive of Wellington City Council in New Zealand, a rigorous selection process has taken place to find a successor.  

The number of people who were recorded as being ‘street homeless’ in the Dorset Council area has remained the same as 2023, latest statistics from the government’s annual snapshot survey reveal. Nationally, the figure has risen by an average of 20 per cent.  

Growing numbers of unpaid carers are setting up self-help plan through our online one-stop shop carers support platform Bridgit. Since its launch in May 2023, more than 16,000 self-help plans have been created through Bridgit.

Today, 24 February marks the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We will be flying the Ukrainian flag at County Hall to show our continued support and solidarity.

Dorset Council is consulting on two new proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), designed to help tackle heathland fires and anti-social overnight camping on Studland Beach.

Families in North Dorset will soon benefit from a brand-new space, thanks to the opening of The Vale Family Hub.  For many years, the Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton has been providing a vital service, offering food and other support to families who need it most.  The…

Monday 24 February marks the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since Vladimir Putin’s forces began the war in 2022, millions have fled the country.

Updated Tuesday 18 February 2025 Cllr. Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, has now received a reply from Mary Creagh CBE MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Nature, responding to his request that the Department for Environment, Food & Rural…

A record number of care experienced young people completed a recent survey which has given Dorset Council and its partners an important insight into how their quality of life and well-being could be further improved. The results were presented at an event which included…

The annual wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of James Hammett, the only Martyr buried in the county, took place last week.

There is now more help than ever for Dorset residents to get online, with 50 volunteer digital champions working across the county.

The auditor's annual report on Dorset Council for 2023/24, published for the Audit and Governance committee meeting to be held on 24 February, identifies some significant weaknesses in the council's governance and procurement arrangements. Auditors Grant Thornton have …