Dorset Council News magazine - issue 13 - November 2024

Audio recording of issue 13 of Dorset Council News magazine

Recording of summarised magazine content

Leader’s Intro

Hello. I’m Cllr Nick Ireland and I was elected as Leader of Dorset Council following the local elections in May.

This edition of Dorset Council News aims to give you information on what your council, and councillors, are here to do.

As the new administration for Dorset Council, we have already demonstrated that we are doing things differently. We said that we would listen to our residents, and act on what they said in a meaningful and positive way.

Dorset Council delivers around 450 services to the 380,000 residents of Dorset, and this vital work will continue. We have 4 proposed priorities that represent the areas where we want to make significant improvement over the next 5 years.

They are:

• respond to the climate crisis
• communities for all
• provide high quality affordable housing, and
• grow our economy

You’ll hear more about our priorities later.

There have already been some big things Dorset Council has achieved since the spring including declaring a nature emergency, expanding our exemplary recycling schemes to include cartons and foil, trialling lower parking charges in 3 coastal car parks and pledging a further £2 million to support residents with the continued rise in cost of living.

There is still a lot to do, but we remain committed to delivering the best we can for all our residents.

I hope you find this is edition useful.

Cllr Nick Ireland

Leader, Dorset Council

Getting Help from Dorset Council

We’re here to help. Be it online, by phone, email, or in person.

Visit our website (www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk) for quick access to services like reporting road issues, renewing library books and applying for benefits.

Visit our receptions without appointment in:

County Hall, Dorchester
Nordon Lodge, Blandford Forum
Dorchester Library
Weymouth Library
Bridport Library

Chat to us 

For help with our online service, you can call our Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 Open Monday to Friday 8:30pm to 5pm

Stay updated with our e-newsletters and follow us on social media @DorsetCouncilUK.

Free Digital Advice Across Dorset

If you need support with your device, accessing online services or any other digital query our volunteer digital champions are ready to help.

They hold FREE face-to-face sessions at libraries, community centres and some cafes and restaurants across the county.

Find out where your nearest digital champion is or call 01305 221048 

Help to Get Online

Struggling to afford to be online or use a smartphone? We provide free 6 month SIM cards for low-income households (18+).  or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221 048.

Estimate Your Care Costs

We know people worry about how much the cost of care could be in the future.

This is where our online estimator tool comes in. Our handy tool can estimate how much you may need to pay towards temporary or permanent care in a residential or nursing home. Visit cost of care estimator.

Worried about the high cost of living? We’re here for you

We have joined forces with Dorset Citizens Advice and Age UK to help you through the cost-of-living challenge, offering confidential advice on finances, benefits, housing, supporting children, utilities, and debt.

Remember, you’re not alone visit Cost of living support or call Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.

Are you ready for the Digital Switchover?

The UK’s telephone network is switching to digital by January 2027. If you or a loved one rely on a landline or have poor mobile connectivity, contact your device supplier to let them know.

You will be contacted by your supplier before the switch happens.

Visit digital switchover or call Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

Get involved with local democracy

Our services, from refuse collections to road maintenance, impact your daily life. It’s important you have a say in our decisions.

Decision making

Every five years, you elect councillors to represent you at Dorset Council. The political party with most councillors forms the administration that leads the council.

A Cabinet of leading councillors, headed by the leader of the council, make policy decisions.

The Cabinet meets monthly to vote on policies.

Councillors from other political parties and independent members are the opposition. They scrutinise Cabinet decisions. There are also committees for planning and licensing applications.

Have your say

We welcome you to attend any public committee meeting, in person or online. You can ask questions, make statements, or present petitions.

For more advice email democratic services

Cabinet priorities

Communities for all

From our youngest to our oldest residents, everyone benefits from being part of strong communities. We want to listen more to residents and create a genuine partnership with town and parish councils and the voluntary and community sector.

Respond to the climate crisis

Climate change is a global challenge, but many solutions are local.

We want Dorset to maintain its natural beauty and appeal to both residents and visitors. We can help our communities adapt, support the recovery of nature and achieve a carbon-neutral future.

Provide high quality housing

We want to enable residents to have safe, affordable, secure housing to rent and buy. This involves increasing the supply and improving the quality of housing and preventing homelessness.

Grow our economy

We want to support Dorset’s businesses to grow and thrive, bringing employment and prosperity to our residents, whilst supporting local and sustainable tourism.

Your Cabinet members

The Cabinet has nine members, all our members of the Liberal Democrat party except Cllr Clare Sutton who is a member of the Green party.

Cllr. Nick Ireland

Is the Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet. He oversees policies and decisions on climate, performance, safeguarding, governance, communications, environment, and climate change.

Cllr. Richard Biggs

Is Deputy Leader and Vice-Chair of Cabinet.

He is responsible for policies and decisions relating to property & assets, economic growth and digital.

Cllr. Jon Andrews

Oversees policies and decisions that affect Place Services. This includes highways, waste, travel and leisure.

Cllr. Shane Barlett

Oversees policies and decisions that affect planning and emergency planning services.

Cllr Simon Clifford

Is responsible for policies and decisions that affect finance & capital strategy.

Cllr Gill Taylor

Oversees health, housing, public health, environmental health, community safety and regulatory services.

Cllr. Ryan Hope

Oversees customer services, culture and community engagement.

Cllr. Steve Robinson

Oversees policies and decisions for adult social care.

Cllr. Clare Sutton

Looks after policies and decisions that affect children’s services, education and skills.

Cllr. Ryan Holloway

Oversee policies and decisions for corporate development and transformation.

Your councillors

Councillors are elected to represent residents and advocate for the local community.  Much of their time is spent speaking to and working with residents and local groups. They represent a specific area called a ‘ward’ and act as a voice for residents who live and work in that ward, supporting their needs and concerns.

For assistance contact your councillor at visit Dorset Council Councillors or write to them at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.

How your council is made up

The council is made up of 82 councillors. 42 Liberal Democrat, 30 Conservative, 4 Green, 4 Independents for Dorset and 2 Labour.

Have your say on nature

We love living in this beautiful county and aim to protect our natural world.

By 2030, the government plans to safeguard 30% of our land, sea, and rivers. To achieve this in Dorset, we will need to create, improve and connect spaces for nature to help recover habitats and protect our wildlife.

We’re working with residents, landowners, and organisations to develop a nature recovery plan. Join us in shaping how and where we can enhance nature.

Moving Dorset ahead

By March 2025, we will have resurfaced over 120 miles of roads. Our highways team is committed to safe travel this winter and have been addressing issues like potholes.

You can report any highways issues online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/report-highways-issue

To report obstructions and hazards that could cause damage or injury call 01305 221020

Easing the cost of Christmas

Enjoy free festive parking in Dorset this December. On selected days, including Small Business Saturday 7 December, park for free in participating car parks.

Find out about free Christmas parking.

Unlocking the door to affordable housing

If you are struggling with housing costs, worried you cannot afford to buy or rent or are facing losing your home, help is available.

There are many organisations in Dorset working together to help you get a foot on the property ladder, find homes with more affordable rents and provide cost-of-living support and advice.

Housing advice

We’ve launched a new Housing Advice Line with Citizens Advice and Shelter, for people in housing need or facing homelessness.

The service is open to anyone: tenants, homeowners, landlords and letting agents. If you have housing concerns, contact us before a problem becomes too great.

Call 01305 221000, Monday to Friday, or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Tackling housing issues

Our Home in on Housing programme aims to deliver more homes people can afford, improve the quality of homes and provide housing advice.

You can read more about our plans and keep up to date with what we are working on here: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/home-in-on-housing

Support to live independently at home

If you or a loved one need support to stay active, safe and independent in your own home then support is available.

The Greenwood Independent Living Centre in Dorchester offers advice to help people live independently at home. To book an appointment call 033 300 30010 or for more info go to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/independent-living

Affordable housing

Dorset is a national leader on Community Land Trusts, which develops housing for a local community.

Matt and Lydia and their daughters live on a land trust development in Buckland Newton.

Lydia said: “We count ourselves very lucky. My husband grew up in the village and it’s thanks to the Community Land Trust that we can now raise our own family surrounded by countryside.”

Find out more about affordable housing schemes in Dorset.

Have you had your NHS Health Check

An NHS Health Check is an overall check on your cardiovascular health.

It can detect illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke and advise on lifestyle changes to help reduce risk.

Eligible residents aged 40 to 74 should be invited by their GP every 5 years.

If you have been invited, please book your NHS Health Check.

For more information visit: publichealthdorset.org.uk/nhs-health-check

Stop smoking support

It’s never too late to quit smoking. Stopping benefits your physical and mental health, as well as that of your loved ones, and can free up money for family activities. Visit your local pharmacy or GP for free support, including coaching and quit aids like nicotine patches.

Start your smoke-free journey by visiting publichealthdorset.org.uk/stop-smoking for local services.

Free coaching helped Fern find a healthier life

LiveWell Dorset focuses on lasting lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.

Passionate about fashion, Fern sought help when her dress size reached 20. “I loved how personalised it was; LiveWell adapted to my lifestyle.” Eighteen months later, Fern is thrilled: “I’ve lost 5 stone and maintained my weight, proving this is a sustainable change.”

Search ‘LiveWell Fern’ for more info or visit livewelldorset.co.uk

Free help to keep you and your home warmer this winter

Heating your home can be expensive, especially during winter. Living in a cold home can be bad for your physical and mental health.

Making your home more energy efficient can keep you and loved ones warm and well. It can also help save money in the long term.

For more advice contact Healthy Homes Dorset on 0300 003 7023 or visit healthyhomesdorset.org.

Help for Dorset Families

Everyone needs help sometimes, especially with raising children. Dorset Council offers the following services:

Family Hubs

Family Hubs are welcoming spaces for parents, carers, and young people to find support and guidance

You can find Family Hubs in Wimborne, Wareham, Ferndown, Bridport, Swanage, Dorchester, and there will be more on the way.

An online Family Hub is also available at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/family-hubs.

Free School Meals and Holiday Activities

If you receive income-related benefits, your children may qualify for free school meals and holiday activities. Children in Reception to Year 2 automatically receive free meals, but you must apply for additional benefits.

More info at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/free-school-meals.

Getting to School

School is vital for children’s education and wellbeing, helping them make friends and grow. We understand challenges can arise, which is why we launched the “In This Together” school attendance campaign.

Learn more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/attendance.

Help for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Our ‘Local Offer’ details support for families with children who have special educational needs.

More info at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/local-offer. We also hold regular online sessions for families. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk for details.

Get in Touch with the Team

Maybe your child isn’t doing as well at school as you think they should? Or are you worried they might have special educational needs? You might be concerned about the safety of a child who lives close to you?

Whatever your concerns are, we are here to help - call us on 01305 228866

Christmas and New Year recycling and waste

Over the festive periods your normal bin days will be different. The changes are as follows:

Or you can visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/recycling to check your collection days

Festive recycling

Many households produce extra waste over Christmas, but much can be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

You can recycle:

• Cooked and uncooked food (use your food waste bin)
• wrapping paper, no foil or glittery paper please
• cardboard boxes and recyclable packaging (no polystyrene)
• Christmas cards and envelopes
• Check what can be recycled at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/whichbin

Remember - 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 Wednesday 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 bag

Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas.

Christmas tree disposal

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

Community notice adverts:

• Did you know you can now recycle cartons and foil in your recycling bin
• Financial help is available for pensioners - check to see if you are entitled to received Pension Credit by calling 0800 99 1234 or visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit
• Vaccinations save lives, you can find out about available vaccines to give you a boost this Autumn at staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations