Dorset Council’s A Big Conversation – Here to listen

This summer, Dorset Council’s new Cabinet members are asking residents to help shape their plans and priorities for the next five years. Following the local elections in May, councillors are working through their proposed priorities and want Dorset residents to be part of that.   

Cllr Ryan Hope, Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, would like to host ‘A Big Conversation’ with residents from all backgrounds across Dorset.

He said: “We are in the process of creating the new Council Plan. This is so important for everyone in the area as it sets our priorities to deliver over the next five years. 

“We created our manifesto based on what we learned while campaigning. But are we on the right track? ‘A Big Conversation’ is about talking to our residents and communities, and asking what they want from the council over the next five years. Your feedback is valued and will make a difference to what the council delivers.”

Elected members and Dorset Council officers will be at eight locations across the summer, listening to people’s ideas. You can find them at:

• Bridport (Bucky Doo Square) Wednesday 24 July: 10am to 3pm
• Dorchester (Food and Arts Festival) Saturday 3 August: 10am to 3pm 
• Wimborne (Town Square) Friday 16 August: 9am to 2pm
• Portland (Easton Gardens) Saturday 24 August: 10am to 3pm
• Shaftesbury (Town Market) Thursday 29 August: 9:30am to 2:30pm
• Wareham (The Quay) Saturday 31 August: 8am to 1pm
• Weymouth (New Bond Street) Saturday 7 September: 10am to 3pm
• Sherborne (Market) Sunday 15 September: 10am to 3pm

Residents can also give their thoughts and feedback online. Find out more on our website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/a-big-conversation. This can be accessed on computers at libraries and there will also be paper copies available there.

The four proposed priorities are:

1. Communities for all
2. Respond to the climate crisis
3. Provide high quality housing
4. Grow our economy

Dorset Council delivers around 450 services to the 380,000 residents of Dorset, and this vital work will continue. The four proposed priorities represent the areas where we want to make significant improvement over the next five years.

Cllr Ryan Hope added, “We want to know whether our residents agree with these priorities for Dorset Council, and what they think the council should focus on.”

This part of A Big Conversation closes on 15 September. There are plans to have more community conversations over the next five years.