Audio recording of issue 14 (Spring 2025) Dorset Council News magazine
Recording of summarised magazine content
Leader’s introduction
"It’s been just over 10 months since I was elected as Leader of Dorset Council. In that time, we’ve been focusing on delivering our four strategic priorities, as set out in the Council Plan for 2024-2029. These priorities are where we want to make significant improvements, alongside continuing to deliver the vital services we know you value. They are:
- Provide affordable and high-quality housing
- Grow our economy
- Communities for all
- Respond to the climate and nature crisis
On housing, we have seen two new affordable housing schemes completed in East Dorset.
The sites include ‘First Homes,’ which are discounted market sale properties for local people and/or essential workers at 30% below market value. Such schemes are vital in helping our residents onto the property ladder.
In support of economic growth, we submitted a bid to Government, together with BCP, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils, to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme.
We were disappointed to learn that Wessex was not included in the first round.
However, it’s not the end of our devolution conversation. We continue to work with Government on opportunities to develop the excellent relationships we’ve built with our Wessex neighbours and will pursue devolution in the future to secure more investment for our region.
To support communities for all, our cost-of-living work with local charities provides much-needed help for residents who are struggling financially.
Debt management, benefits claims, and energy advice are among the most frequent requests still coming in.
Tackling the climate and nature crisis remains a top priority for the council. As a rural, coastal county, it’s crucial we act now to protect the lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems of Dorset’s current and future generations. To accelerate our efforts, we have brought forward our net-zero targets to 2035 for the council and 2045 for the county.
We’ve set a balanced budget of £417.2 million for 2025/26. This includes substantial investment for services such as adult social care and housing, children’s services, transport, highways, and planning services.
And finally, as we head into the spring and summer months, I hope you can get out and about to enjoy our wonderful county. "
Cllr. Nick Ireland.
Tech opens doors for extended library hours
New technology is helping people access four Dorset libraries outside of staffed hours.
Verwood Library is the first to launch the ‘Extended Access’ scheme, with Sturminster Newton, Sherborne, and Gillingham libraries to follow.
Extended hours are 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. During these times, members can borrow and return items, pick up reserved books, use free computers or WiFi, and access study spaces.
Pop into your local library for more information.
Social housing tenants wanting to downsize – we need you
Are you a social housing tenant living in a home with more bedrooms than you now need? Do you want to move to a smaller property but haven’t been able to? If this applies to you, we’d like to invite you to join our focus group of residents, to hear your real-life experiences and opinions.
If you would like to take part email: homeinonhousing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Are you eligible for funded childcare?
There are funded and tax-free childcare options for working and low-income families in our area. These include 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 2 years, and up to 30 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds. Some families can also claim back childcare costs through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit.
Spring into summer
As the days get longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to explore our beautiful county. For inspiration, we asked locals to share their favourite places.
The eco champion – Chapman’s Pool
Oly Rush from Upton loves Chapman’s Pool so much it’s like his second home. His passion for the coast led him to form the charity Project Planet Earth, spending weekends clearing plastic from the beach.
Oly said: “It’s one of the few places still untouched by modern times. You can imagine dinosaurs clambering over the rocks. It’s not the most accessible beach, but you can enjoy amazing views with a short walk across a flat field.
The Museum volunteer - Blandford
Dave Hiscock is pleased to volunteer at Blandford Museum, calling it a hidden gem worth discovering. “It’s like a Tardis,” he said, “small but packed with exhibits on local culture and history, including Blandford’s Great Fire of 1731. I’m very proud of the museum and our small rural town.”
The country ranger - Moors Valley
Moors Valley near Verwood is perfect for family exploration with its miniature railway, play areas, and woodland walks. Countryside ranger Coral Atkinson loves the Tree Top Trail, saying it offers a tranquil escape into the forest with squirrels and stunning dragonflies adding to the magic.
The refuse lorry driver - the Jurassic Coast road
Few professional drivers are lucky enough to enjoy one of the country’s best views as part of their job.
Refuse driver James gets to drive the scenic Jurassic Coast road every week, passing Chesil Beach, Fleet, Abbotsbury, West Bexington, and Burton Bradstock.
“In my opinion, it’s the best view in England,” James said. “Make a day of it and stop off at the many villages along its route.”
Our hubs are helping Dorset families to bloom
Young people in Ferndown are learning gardening skills through a course run by the Ferndown Family Hub and Dorset Community Action.
Tailored for those who find traditional learning challenging, participants are thriving.
Young participant Isla said, “It’s a more relaxed environment, making it easier for me to learn.”
Funded by the East Dorset Local Alliance, the course covers planting, harvesting, soil testing, and garden design. Participants over 14 can earn a Level 1 qualification in Horticulture. Produce is donated to the local food bank.
Social Supermarkets Helping Dorset Families
With the high cost of living, many low-income families struggle to afford nutritious food. Support is available.
Besides food banks, social supermarkets offer affordable groceries, typically at 50% off.
These shops, run by local volunteers, reduce food waste and take the stigma away from food poverty.
Social supermarkets rely on community goodwill, business support, and council grants.
Learn more on the help and kindness website or call 01305 221000.
We are there for you
Across Dorset, dedicated volunteers help vulnerable residents live independently.
Brian, 85, with a heart condition and pancreatic cancer, stays in his Weymouth home thanks to volunteer Mary. “Mary is wonderful, a superstar – I don’t know what I would do without her,” Brian says.
Mary joined Volunteer Centre Dorset during the pandemic, helping with prescriptions, shopping, and welfare calls. She also delivers library books with the Royal Voluntary Service. “I love volunteering and making a difference,” Mary says.
Volunteer Centre Dorset needs more volunteers, especially in rural areas.
Find out more online or call 01305 269214.
Supporting you to live independently
We help people stay independent, safe, and well. Our online tools at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk include a Cost of Care Estimator for care contributions, information on independent living products, and self help tool Bridgit, a free support tool for carers.
We also have a community directory of local support groups by Help and Kindness.
For help with online services, call 01305 221048 to find a volunteer digital champion.
Owners of Radio Teleswitch meters urged to take action
Do you own an electricity meter that has a Radio Teleswitch (RTS)? Then you need to take urgent action now. All meters using this technology will stop working after 30 June.
Contact your energy supplier for advice. Or for more information search visit Ofgem Radio Teleswitch.
Our budget explained
The council’s 2025/26 budget is £417.2 million, focusing on essential frontline services for residents and businesses.
We deliver around 450 services to over 380,000 residents, including waste collection, road maintenance, planning, housing, libraries, and social care. Despite financial challenges like inflation and increasing social care needs.
We rely heavily on council tax and business rates to raise the vital funds needed to deliver these services.
How is council tax affected?
Council tax is increasing by just under 5% this year (3% plus 2% for the adult social care precept), adding £1.91 per week for a Band D property, near the maximum allowed by the government.
Financial support
Financial support is available for those in Dorset affected by the cost-of-living crisis. If you’re struggling to pay council tax, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/counciltax.
Citizens Advice Dorset also offers help with household bills. Call 0800 144 8848 or visit citizensadvicedorset.org.uk.
2025/26 Dorset Council sources of funding
The total budget is made up of these sources of funding:
- £342 million, (82%) from Council
- £70.2 million, (16.8%) from retained business rates
- £3.2 million, (8%) from New homes bonus – a specific grant from central government
- £1.8 million, (4%) Revenue Support Grant (Funding from central government)
How will Dorset Council spend its money?
We will spend:
- £159.6 million on adult social care
- £72 million om Children’s social care
- £41.1 million on School travel and public transport
- £35 million on street cleaning, waste collection and disposal
- £15.3 million on education and learning
- £8.3 million on environment and wellbeing
- £7.9 million on customer services, libraries and archives
- £7.7 million on housing
- £6.1 million on planning
- £5.7 million on highways and parking
- £5.5 million on properties
- £3.5 million on communities and public protection
- £2.4 million on supporting businesses and creating jobs
- £46.7 million on corporate services and central finance which includes revenues and benefits, finance, procurement, HR, IT, Legal and Democratic services
Totalling £417.2 million.
Helping local businesses thrive
Imagine a future where Dorset businesses thrive due to lower energy costs. Our Low Carbon Dorset programme offers free energy-saving advice and grants.
We’ve issued £7 million in grants for solar panels, heat pumps, and low energy lighting.
Washingpool Farm Shop in Bridport benefited from a grant and bank loan, installing solar panels and energy efficient fridges, significantly reducing their bills.
For more success stories, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/low-carbon-dorset-case-studies.
Dorset is buzzing again
Flower-rich meadows, iconic in our landscapes, have declined due to land use changes.
However, thanks to Dorset’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, they are making a comeback.
A ‘brush harvester’ bought by Hogchester Farm and Dorset Wildlife Trust collects seeds from flower-rich meadows to sow elsewhere.
This project has seeded over 26 hectares of new meadows in Dorset.
Does your town or village have an electric charger yet?
With more electric vehicles (EV’S) on Dorset’s roads, we need more EV chargers.
Using government funding, we aim to ensure every community has access to an EV charger.
If your town or village lacks a charger, let us know.
Prepare your community for a greener future by suggesting a location
or read more about EV chargers.
Giving people a special home
An extra special housing scheme is providing not just homes, but essential support.
The new 55-bed ‘extra care’ development, St Martin’s, has opened in Gillingham, offering 24/7 support.
David, 73, and Christine Coombes, 67, were among the first tenants.
Christine said, “Having 24-hour support brings peace of mind for us and our children, especially after my recent cancer diagnosis. It is a lovely place with lovely staff. We have a beautiful garden, health care, and we don’t have to drive far to get what we need.”
St Martin’s is the latest extra care scheme, with more planned. The council is recruiting a developer for four new schemes across the county.
If you or a loved one would like more information about St Martin’s you can read more on our website.
Providing shelter for those most in need
Most of us will never experience homelessness, but half of private renters are one pay check away from losing their home.
We work with partners to provide shelter and support. We helped four former rough sleepers, including Lee from Weymouth, find permanent shelter.
After a relationship breakdown, Lee became homeless. Charities offered him work and shelter. “Without that support, I’d probably still be homeless,” Lee said.
Call our Housing Advice line on 01305 221000.
Find out how long the wait is for social housing
We have a new tool to estimate how long you may have to wait for a social housing property, based on your area and bedroom needs.
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-wait-times.
Ready for change?
Did you plan to get healthier in 2025? Lose weight or stop smoking? How’s it going? It’s easy to feel disappointed if things aren’t perfect, but small steps and steady progress are key.
LiveWell Dorset, helps thousands make successful lifestyle changes each year. Register for support, including coaching, slimming club vouchers, and smoking quit kits.
Call 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk.
Free Support for Alcohol and Drug Issues in Dorset
Struggling with drugs or alcohol? You’re not alone.
Substance use affects health, relationships, finances, and wellbeing.
Reach offers free, confidential support to help you rebuild a healthier life. The friendly team provides tailored services for your recovery journey.
Refer yourself or someone you care about by calling 0800 043 4656.
Give your little one a healthy start in life
If you’re over 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
This provides a prepaid card with weekly top-ups of £4.25 or £8.50 a week depending on the age of your child. to buy healthy food, milk, and vitamins.
Check your eligibilityhttp://healthystart.nhs.uk.
Digital champion support can help save you money
Our volunteer digital champions can help you gain confidence using devices and online services.
Being more confident online can also save you money.
Digital champion Jonathan helped someone find a cheaper smartphone tariff, saving £4 a month. Searching online can save you money on data, gas, and electric.
Our digital champions can help you do this and stay safe online.
Call 01305 221048 to find your nearest digital champion.
Be prepared – the old telephone network is being switched off
Providers are switching customers from traditional landlines to digital. Your telecoms provider will contact you before the switchover.
BT/EE and Virgin Media 02 will switch most customers this year.
If you have an internet connection, the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into the back of your broadband router.
Carelines may need upgrades. Providers will write to you; do not agree to anything over the phone or give out your bank details.
From steam age to the digital age
Swanage Railway is ready to welcome tourists this summer with satellite-powered public WiFi in its car parks, at Norden station, and on the steam train.
This project, led by Dorset Council and funded by the government, makes it easier for passengers to pay by card and phone.
Tourism is vital for the rural economy, and this success could lead to similar advancements at other remote tourist spots.
Growing the economy
A successful economy benefits everyone. Over the past two years, we distributed £1.35m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to 85 Dorset businesses and organisations. Here are two success stories.
“Going digital has made us more human”
To stay competitive, family-run Farmer Palmers modernised with £8,287 SPF funding to upgrade their online booking system.
Owner Sandra Palmer-Snellin said, “Over 80% of our customers book using their mobile phone.
“These improvements free our team to spend more time with customers.”
Since opening in the late 90s, visitors have more than quadrupled. The farm, near Lytchett Minster, employs 53 locals and is beloved by the community.
High skilled jobs for local people
When Weymouth’s South Coast Precision saw an opportunity to double their turnover, they knew they needed new machinery and staff.
With £20,000 SPF funding and their own investment, they bought an automated lathe and hired two locals.
This led to a £148,000 six-month order, a significant win for the company, which made £190,000 the previous year.
Making recycling simpler
New recycling rules for businesses and organisations start on 31 March.
These rules standardise waste collections nationwide.
Dorset Council already provides the required collections for households, so no changes for residents.
Businesses (except micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees) and organisations like schools and hospitals must have separate collections for dry mixed recycling, food waste, general waste, and possibly glass.
Micro-businesses have until 31 March 2027 to comply.
Extra funds for flooded roads
Spring is here but heavy autumn and winter rains linger.
With increasing wet seasons, we’re reallocating nearly £500,000 to improve road drainage.
Regular gully emptying and quick flood responses help keep traffic moving.
Report flooding or blocked gullies online or call 01305 221020.
Never bin your batteries
Old batteries in bins can cause fires when crushed. Take them to recycling centres or shops with take-back schemes. You can also place them in a clear bag on top of your recycling bin for collection.