Audio recordings of issue 11 of the magazine
Recordings of the summarised magazine content
Welcome
We are currently setting next year’s budget. We have saved over £96 million since Dorset Council was created in 2019. This has been reinvested back into our frontline services, so no cuts are needed.
While we aren’t experiencing the financial crisis faced by some councils, our budget is challenging. I have continued to advocate for fairer government funding and we are committed to using taxpayers’ money sensibly and getting best value for the monies received.
Working well with our local partner organisations and securing more funding from government helps our services.
Our partnership with Care Dorset, now one year old, has brought impressive improvements. This makes sure the right care is available at the right time and in the right place for those who need it, whether residential, day care or supported living. The same can be said of the Dorset Centre of Excellence, and Coombe House School in particular, which has recently reported a growing improvement in performance.
New Family Hubs in Ferndown and Wareham are a welcome improvement for families, providing one-stop access to council and partner services.
The council remains committed to making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.
Spencer Flower
Leader of Dorset Council
Cost of living help for you
With Dorset Citizens Advice and Age UK, we provide support on a range of issues.
This includes finances and benefits, housing concerns, support for children, utility costs and debt management.
Remember, you are not alone and if you need assistance, reach out now. Support is free and confidential.
Find out more about cost of living help or telephone Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
Extra pension support
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support and other Benefits. Check if you are eligible and apply or call the government helpline on 0800 991234.
Free parking during December
On 2 December and on other days in the run-up to Christmas, our pay and display machines and Just Park app will be set to ‘free’ in participating car parks.
Find out more about free parking, and other arrangements including bin collection changes.
Christmas opening
You can call us as usual between Christmas and New Year. We will be closed on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 December and on Monday 1 January. For out of hours emergencies, call 01305 221000. If the situation is life-threatening, always call 999.
Give a warm Christmas
If you receive a Winter Fuel Payment but can manage without it, you could donate it to support Dorset residents who need a little extra help.
This is possible through Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal. It provides grants of up to £200, making a significant impact for Dorset residents who could face the choice between eating well and keeping warm.
To donate visit Dorset Community Foundation or telephone 01202 670815.
Preparing roads for winter
We are ready for those cold and icy days and nights ahead: the rock salt has been topped up and our lorries finely tuned.
Our route-based system helps us treat roads based on localised temperatures. This means we use less salt and take fewer lorry trips, which is good for the environment and saves money.
If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient and take care on freshly gritted roads as the salt can take time to bed in. When conditions get bad, like when puddles turn to black ice, only drive if your journey is essential.
Our gritting webpages will list the routes being treated.
Essential support if you look after someone
Whether you look after a parent, partner, child or a friend, our free support and advice includes:
- finances, benefits and work
- health and wellbeing
- the Carers Card
- befriending and local carer groups
- training for managing conditions
Call in confidence on 0800 368 8349 or visit us online at carersupportdorset.co.uk
If you are confident online, our new self-serve tool enables you to create your own personalised support plan. Visit the Bridgit care website.
Carer Support Dorset and Bridgit Care are independent and confidential services, funded by Dorset Council.
Health and social care support
If you need help understanding, accessing or having your interests represented in health and social care services, South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) can support you.
Referrals can be made by anyone, for themselves or on behalf of someone else.
Visit the Swan Advocacy website, or email: dorset@swanadvocacy.org.uk or call 03333 447928.
The old telephone network is being switched off
Between now and 2025, most telephone network providers will be moving their customers from traditional landlines to digital technology.
Your telecoms provider should contact you before the switchover to discuss what you need to do. Digital landlines will not work if there is a power cut. If you have no other means of calling the emergency services in a power cut, talk to your telecoms provider about a solution.
To find out more visit the Age UK website for more on the changes to landline telephones or call 0800 678 1602.
If you have other devices connected to your telephone line, like an alarm system or a telecare device, your provider might need to upgrade your device.
If you are unsure how a device might be affected, contact the equipment supplier for help.
Could you offer a home to Ukrainian refugee?
So far, more than 400 households in Dorset have sponsored refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme but we still need more.
As the war sadly continues, more Ukrainians need a place of safety, and we need new hosts.
If you think you could help by offering a spare room in your home, in an annexe, or in independent accommodation, we would love to hear from you.
In return, you will have a network of support and we will pay you £350 a month.
Find out how to get involved on our refugee services in Dorset page.
Try a free health walk
Dorset Health Walks are a great way to stay active and meet new people. They are free and there’s no need to book.
Visit Dorset Health Walks to find your nearest walk or call 01425 480811.
NHS Health checks just got easier
This free check can tell you if you’re at higher risk of getting health problems like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a stroke.
If you are aged 40 to 74 and are eligible you will be invited by your GP or pharmacy within the next 5 years. If you receive a letter or text, please book an appointment.
Public Health Dorset (PHD) works with GPs and pharmacies to help deliver NHS Health Checks.
Targeted free NHS Health Checks
The programme has recently expanded to local communities through PHD’s lifestyle service, LiveWell Dorset.
See if you are eligible for an NHS health check at Live Well Dorset or call free on 0800 840 1628.
Find out more about NHS health checks on Public Health Dorset or LiveWell 0800 840 1628.
Councils have a legal requirement to protect and improve health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities. Public Health Dorset does this on behalf of Dorset Council and BCP Council.
If you feel unwell now
If you’re worried about your health, do not wait for your NHS Health Check.
Contact a GP, go online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.
Our foster families never feel alone
Mockingbird is a special way of looking after our foster carers. It’s like an extended family for foster carers, their families, and the young people they look after.
Foster carers have instant access to support with a dedicated and experienced ‘hub home carer’ at the centre.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the Dorset fostering website or call 01305 221000.
Does your child qualify for free school meals?
You could save up to £450 a year per child. Some children may be eligible to receive a free daily lunch at school, as well as free holiday activities.
See if you can apply for free school meals by completing a confidential online form or call 01305 221090
For each free meal, a child’s school receives extra government funding called the Pupil Premium for more teaching staff, tuition, or activities. It is paid automatically if the child is aged over 7. If they are under 7 and you receive qualifying benefits, you need to ask your early years provider to claim Pupil Premium.
Stay up to date with our e-newsletters
Our email newsletters provide you with local updates tailored to your interests. We have newsletters on countryside, libraries, leisure, travel and transport, health, history and heritage and lots more.
It’s simple to sign up, all you need is access to the internet and an email address.
Sign up for Dorset Council e-newsletters.
Help to get you online
Our digital champions can show you how to use the internet. They can help you get set up and started with new devices like computers, tablets and smart phones.
You can learn how to do online shopping and get advice on using apps, from fun games to parking and banking, and you can learn how book an appointment or order a prescription.
They can help you to set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends.
Our digital champions will also show you how to stay safe online and avoid scams and computer viruses.
Find a digital champion session near you or call the digital hotline on 01305 221048.
Getting around Dorset
We are joining forces with BCP Council to shape how we travel around Dorset. The new Local Transport Plan for Dorset will cover all types of transport, sustainable ways to travel, road safety and maintenance.
In the coming months, we will be asking residents and businesses for help to shape this vision, so keep an eye on local media for updates and how to have your say.
You can read more about the Local Transport Plan.
Discounted bus fares continue
The government has confirmed money saving bus travel will continue until November 2024, with single fares capped at £2.50 for many routes. Ask your bus operator for details.
Safe cycling
Gaining cycling skills early on is important for a child’s safety and confidence, and will enable
them to cycle to school and enjoy trips with family and friends.
Find out more about bikeability cycling training courses. If your child doesn’t have a bike, always ask if a free bicycle is available when enquiring about courses.
If you want to brush up on your cycling skills, or get on a bike for the first time, why not try our cycling lessons for adults. Request a cycle training voucher.
Hire a Beryl bike
Cycling is a great way to get around, and in the east of Dorset, bike hire makes it even easier for pleasure or commuting.
In Wimborne, Ferndown, Corfe Mullen and Upton you can hire a Beryl bike and cycle further afield to Bournemouth and Poole.
If you haven’t tried an electric bike before, the new Beryl e-bikes are a great addition to the fleet.
Find your nearest bicycle on the Beryl website, tap to unlock and off you go!
See cycle routes throughout Dorset or book a refresher cycle training session.
Need housing advice? Don’t leave it too late
Renters, homeowners, landlords and letting agents are being urged to act now if they are struggling financially or know someone who needs support.
We are working with Shelter and Citizens Advice to offer help with a range of issues including:
- rent or mortgage arrears
- debt advice
- rent/interest rate increases
- managing your money, benefits etc
We’re here to assist with anything housing-related that’s not going as planned. So, if this affects you or someone you know, please get in touch.
Our service is free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
Call 01305 221000 or email: housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Shaping the future of housing
Many thanks to everyone who took part in our recent housing strategy survey to tell us what is important when it comes to safe, suitable and affordable homes.
The thousands of responses received will help us set our housing priorities over the next five years. People told us about their personal experiences, and we heard from organisations and businesses.
We also received feedback on housing need, supply, housing standards and preventing homelessness. Focusing on making the most of new and existing homes and the unique challenges we face in Dorset, the findings will be presented to councillors in December. We will publish them in early 2024.
Update on the Dorset Council Local Plan
We’re currently waiting for the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to become law. This will bring reforms to the planning system, so by delaying our Local Plan, we can ensure its policies are up to date to meet the changes. We are aiming for the new Local Plan to be adopted in spring 2026.
In the meantime we continue compiling reports and assessments following our consultation in 2021. We will keep you updated on our website and in the press.
Find out more about the Dorset Council Local Plan.
Helping communities to make a green difference
Our Low Carbon Dorset programme offers free grants and advice to organisations to help them install green measures like solar panels and heat pumps, reducing emissions and saving money.
More than 100 community groups and charities of all sizes in Dorset have benefited so far.
If you think this could help your project, find out more and how to apply on the Low Carbon Dorset website.
Protecting shoppers and businesses
Our Trading Standards team has a wealth of experience, and offers advice on animal welfare, how to recognise trusted sellers and traders, and what to do if you are the victim of a scam.
They investigate reports of unfair trading and illegal business activity, and will stop rogue businesses operating, often through legal action. Recent cases
include:
- St Leonards resident ordered to pay over £373,000 and given a suspended prison sentence for the sale of counterfeit vinyl records
- illegal puppy sellers from Three Legged Cross given 3 months to pay over £150,000 or risk up to 18 months in prison
- Ringwood business owner ordered to pay over £7,000 after losing control of a public fireworks display
- car trader from Essex ordered to pay £6,864 for selling an unroadworthy car to a Dorset resident
- livestock haulier from Shaftesbury found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to calves. Given 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £6,517
Trading Standards also offers free and impartial legal guidance to businesses to ensure they trade fairly and safely.
Businesses can find more details by visiting our Trading Standards web pages.
Consumers who want to find out what to do if a business has broken the law or acted unfairly should contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Protect yourself from scammers
If someone offers you goods or a service, take time to stop and think before parting with your money or information. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
If you feel pressured into having work done or buying goods you don’t want, ask the trader to leave. Don’t give your bank PIN over the phone. Your bank would never ask you to do this.
Contact your bank or credit card company at once if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment.
Affected by a scam and need advice? Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
Residents’ survey 2023
This October and November, doorstep interviewers will be asking for views about the council and the services we provide.
The survey is being conducted on our behalf by Information by Design (IbyD). If you have been selected at random to take part, we hope you have your say.
Interviewers will knock on doors between 10am and 8pm and will carry an official IbyD identification card with their photograph.
If you have any concerns about who you are talking to, call us on 01305 221000 to confirm it is a council survey.
Christmas and New Year bin collections
Your recycling and waste collections over the festive period will be different from your usual day of the week.
If your usual collection day is:
- Friday 22 December, there will be no change
- Monday 25 December, your collection will be Wednesday 27 December
- Tuesday 26 December will be Thursday 28 December
- Wednesday 27 December will be Friday 29 December
- Thursday 28 December will be Saturday 30 December
- Friday 29 December will be Tuesday 2 January 2014
- Monday 1 January will be Wednesday 3 January
- Tuesday 2 January will be Thursday 4 January
- Wednesday 3 January will be Friday 5 January
- Thursday 4 January will be Saturday 6 January
- Friday 5 January will be Monday 8 January
- Monday 8 January will be Tuesday 9 January
- Tuesday 9 January will be Wednesday 10 January
- Wednesday 10 January will be Thursday 11 January
- Thursday 11 January will be Friday 12 January
- Friday 12 January will be Saturday 13 January
Then back to normal from Monday 15 January
Refer to your waste collection calendar or check your collection days online.
Festive recycling
Remember that you can recycle the following in your kerbside recycling bin:
- wrapping paper (not foil or glittery paper, please)
- cardboard boxes and recyclable packaging (not polystyrene)
- Christmas cards (not glittery) and envelopes
We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.
No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Day until Monday 8 January.
Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container, not bags, that can be easily lifted by one person.
See what items can be recycled at the kerbside on which bin do I use.
Dorset Council does not collect Christmas trees of any kind with rubbish or recycling at the kerbside.
You can recycle your real Christmas tree by:
- home composting it
- cutting it up and placing it in your garden waste bin
- taking it to a household recycling centre
- booking a Christmas tree collection with a Dorset-based charity or service, check local availability