Dorset Council News magazine - issue 9 - winter 2022

Audio recordings of issue 9 of the magazine

Recordings of the summarised magazine content

Welcome to the winter 2022 edition of Dorset Council News 

We are entering a challenging winter period. The significant increase in energy costs has hit the council hard, as it has households and businesses. Later in this recording, we explain the help we have been able to pass on to you from Government grants, and other support available.

My advocacy for Dorset continues by working with the government to get a fairer deal and more investment in Dorset. I am also seeking continued support for hard pressed families in Dorset to help them through the energy crisis, caused by the Ukraine war.  

However, we must look to the future with optimism. The council has an important role to play in helping to drive economic growth in Dorset.   

We do have significant financial challenges ahead for setting the budgets for 2023/24. However, I will do all I can, along with my councillor colleagues to safeguard the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Dorset and make it a great place to live, work and visit.

Finally, I want to reflect on the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I’m certain King Charles III will continue her fantastic legacy.

Spencer Flower 

Leader of Dorset Council

Shaping our libraries

Last year, we asked you to help shape the future of Dorset’s library service. We received over 7,500 responses – thank you!

What you told us helped us understand what people value about our libraries, how we could develop our services, and how we can be relevant to those who do not normally visit a library.

We now need your help to further develop the future plans, by telling us what is most important to you.

Read the consultation now 

Alternatively, call 01305 221000 to complete the survey over the phone or get a paper copy of the survey at your local library.

Dorset’s volunteers make a difference

A huge thank you to Dorset’s volunteers for helping to make Dorset such a special place!

Olivia Bowditch, 16, a student at The Gryphon School in Sherborne, is a volunteer and was one of the brilliant people nominated in our recent Volunteer Heroes Awards.

Olivia said: “I genuinely think volunteering makes you a well-rounded person - I wish we could make it part of the school curriculum.

“You never know what tomorrow will bring and whether you will be the one asking for help!

“Something small, like buying an extra packet of biscuits for a foodbank, or asking a neighbour if they need anything from the shop, can make all the difference.”

Find out more about volunteering or telephone the Volunteer Centre Dorset on 01305 269214.

Dorset premises to get future-proof broadband

Over 7,000 Dorset homes and businesses will be the first in the country to receive next generation broadband through the Government’s nationwide £5 billion Project Gigabit programme.

The Government has awarded the contract to Blandford-based Wessex Internet to deliver the roll-out in parts of north and east Dorset.

It is expected the first homes and businesses will be connected by the end of this year, with the roll-out completed by 2025.

The higher your broadband speeds, the better experience you’ll have doing things like working from home, streaming TV and films, or banking and shopping online.

If you would like advice about improving your broadband, send us an email or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am-midday).

More support for children with SEND

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will benefit from the next phase of our ambitious multi-million pound investment plan.

This includes projects at existing special schools and new inclusion hubs at mainstream schools.

Inclusion hubs will enable children with SEND to be part of the classroom, but also give them space when they need more support.

Extra school funding

If your child receives free school meals and they are aged 7 plus, their school automatically receives extra government funding called the Pupil Premium.

If your child is in Early Years, ask your provider about the Pupil Premium.

If your child is aged 5-7, please complete the Pupil Premium application form on our website.

Find out more and apply or call 01305 221090.

New provision for children in care

A new facility is opening in Weymouth for Dorset’s children in care, or those who are in and out of care.

Known as “The Harbour”, it brings together accommodation options, services and support for young people. Approved foster carers will also be on site to work in the residential home and build relationships with young people.

Dorset Parent Carer Council supports parents and carers of children and young people.

It signposts families to support and has three accessible beach huts their members can hire!

Find out more or volunteer to help by emailing us or call 07827 793244.

Could you become one of our Dorset foster carers?

Could you provide a loving home close to a child’s school, friends and birth family? We particularly need foster carers for older children and sibling groups.

You will get full training and support. Register your interest and find out more or call 01305 221000.

Our Armed Forces commitment

We have received an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award as part of the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

We are proud that many past and present military personnel, or their families, work for, or on behalf of, the council. They bring us skills, knowledge and experience gained through their service.

See more about our pledge

Supporting Dorset’s carers

Do you regularly look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help?

You may not recognise yourself as a carer but you could be if you provide regular support to a friend, relative or neighbour.

Contact Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 or visit their website for more information and advice.

Help to get you online

Our volunteer digital champions can help you get online and gain confidence using digital devices.

The digital champions can assist with any digital issue – from online shopping to ordering prescriptions and setting up and using new devices.

Find your nearest digital champion advice session, or ask for help, by calling the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday).

Support within reach

Almost half of Dorset Council’s population live in rural areas and for people struggling with mental health difficulties, that can feel isolating. But support is always within reach.

Simply talking to someone about the challenges you’re facing (however big or small) can make a huge difference. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to friends or family, these services are available:

• NHS mental health helpline Connection open 24 hours a day. Call 0800 652 0190
• Samaritans are available to talk at any time. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org and someone will get back to you within 24 hours
• Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, confidential support via text

Get active with orienteering

Looking for something free and fun to do with family and friends? Why not try one of Dorset’s orienteering courses?

The aim is to navigate between checkpoints marked on a map which you can borrow or download. Courses can be walked or run, so you’ll be looking after your body and mind whilst enjoying the local area.

Click on ‘Permanent Courses’ to find your nearest course.

Cost of living help when you need it

As we head into the winter months, many of us are worried about the rising cost of living. We are working with organisations including Citizens Advice and Age UK Dorset to provide a range of support.

Free, confidential and impartial support on money worries, accessing affordable food, housing and employment rights, and looking after our mental health is available to everyone. No one needs to manage alone.

Money worries take up lots of headspace, leaving us with much less mental energy and time to make good decisions about our money. Remembering to look after ourselves can also be hard. Talking to someone can help point us in the right direction and provide the strength to tackle problems. Reach out early for whatever help you need if you are struggling in any way. If small problems have already become bigger ones, get support now.

Government payments this autumn

The government will be paying out to:

• domestic energy customers: monthly credits from October, £400 in total
• households on low income means tested benefits: £324 this autumn
• households on Tax Credits: two instalments, £326 this autumn and £324 in winter
• pensioner households: an extra £300 added to winter fuel payments from mid-November

There will be a third round of the Household Support Fund which will continue from October 2022 to March 2023. Look out for more details on our website and in local press.

How we are supporting you

Over 121,000 Dorset households (properties in council tax bands A-D) received the £150 council tax energy rebate earlier this year, amounting to more than £18 million. A further £2 million has been distributed in Household Support Fund to people on low incomes. This includes working age and older people, care leavers, and families.

Help and advice

Citizens Advice and Age UK (for over 55s) offer free, independent, and confidential advice and support. If you need to talk to someone, whatever problems you are facing, call Age UK on Freephone 0800 678 1602 or call Citizens Advice on Freephone 0800 144 8848.

Accessing food

Don’t skip meals. Find your nearest foodbanks, community fridges and affordable food. Call 01305 595958 or call Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848.

Benefits

Claim benefits for the first time or check if you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Call us on 01305 211970.

Council tax

If you have problems paying your council tax or to check if you can claim Council Tax Support.

If you live in East or North Dorset, call 0345 034 4569.

If you live in Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth or Portland, call 01305 211970.

Extra money for older people

If you are on a low income, check if you can claim Pension Credit. It helps with council tax, NHS treatment, heating costs and more.

Call the Pension Service helpline 0800 731 0469 to find out more.

Housing

For homelessness support, the housing register (social housing) and general housing advice visit our hub or call 01305 221000.

Managing your money

Budgeting and managing debts or unpaid bills. Visit Citizens Advice, call 0800 144 8848 or visit your local Citizens Advice bureau.

Mental health and wellbeing

Tips on wellbeing and support if you need to talk.

Call Connection (NHS) available 24 hours a day 0800 652 0190.

In a life-threatening situation always call 999.

Support for children

Check your eligibility for free school meals, healthy start vouchers and childcare funding.

Utility bills

Contact your supplier for help if you can’t pay your gas, electricity, phone/broadband or water bills, and for information about lower tariffs for eligible people.

For advice and guidance on energy call Citizens Advice Energy Unit on 01929 775500 or email energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

Work worries

For advice on your rights if you are worried about your work, call Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.

Ten steps to save energy around the home

1. Turn appliances off standby by switching them off at the wall where you can.
2. Turn off lights when you’re not using them or when you leave a room.
3. When it’s time to change a lightbulb fit a low energy bulb in its place.
4. Only fill your kettle with the water you need.
5. Wash your clothes at 30 degrees and, if you can, use one less cycle a week.
6. Dry washing outside or on a clothes rack rather than in a tumble dryer.
7. Swap baths for short showers (reduce showers by just 1 minute to save even more).
8. Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full.
9. Draught-proof your windows and doors and close curtains at night to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
10. Turn your heating down by just 1 degree (if comfortable to do so) and cut heating bills by around 10%.

Combined, it is estimated that these simple steps could reduce your energy bills by more than £300 a year.

More help on how you can reduce energy bills.

Give the gift of a warm Christmas

If you receive a Winter Fuel Payment but can manage without it, did you know you can donate it to support Dorset residents who need a little extra help.

We are supporting the Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal which provides grants of up to £200 for people who would face the choice between eating well and keeping their own home warm.

Donate here or call 01202 670815.

Economic prosperity

Earlier this year, we joined forces with the Ministry of Defence and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to open the first Defence BattleLab in the UK, located at Dorset Innovation Park, near Wool.

The BattleLab is a shared workspace for military personnel, academic institutions and private sector companies to trial cutting-edge technology. Almost £6 million has been invested in the project to create jobs and support one of Dorset’s key economic sectors.

Dorset LEP works with businesses, councils and others to promote economic prosperity. Find out more about Dorset’s projects at dorsetlep.co.uk

In the summer, approval was given for investment of just under £15 million in the Dorset Innovation Park.

Currently, 34 businesses at the park provide almost 800 jobs. The aim is to create 2,000 new jobs there by 2042.

Improving electric vehicle charging in rural areas

Dorset is one of nine areas in England to receive funding from a new Government scheme which aims to increase the availability of electric vehicle charge points.

We have secured £2.7 million of government and industry funding to do this.

We will work with local communities, landowners and businesses to identify the best locations to install the new charge points.

More information on EV charging in Dorset, including chargepoint locations.

NHS takes over South Walks House

The building in Dorchester is being used by Dorset County Hospital and other NHS partners as an Outpatient Assessment Centre.

The 20-year lease of our former offices is providing an income to the council of £350,000 a year and bringing more people back to the town centre.

Creating sustainable development and homes

Shaping a new draft local plan

Earlier this year, Councillor Spencer Flower, set out his commitment to develop a new Dorset Council Local Plan that meets the needs and aspirations of Dorset people. This followed over 9,000 responses to the consultation on our draft Dorset Council Local Plan, and conversations with central Government.

It was clear from responses, that the number of new homes in the plan should reflect the needs of Dorset.

Respondents also showed strong support for more affordable homes, in the right places, at the right quality, while respecting and protecting our natural environment.

They told us tackling climate change is important to consider for any new development, as well as ensuring that public transport, roads, health facilities, schools and utilities meet the needs of residents.

National Policy, regulations and local constraints were preventing us from coming up with the best possible local plan to do this.

Do you need planning or building control approval?

Are you considering a conversion, extension, or other alterations to your home? You may need to apply for planning permission and/or building control approval.

For advice, call 01305 221000 and ask for Building Control.

Working towards a greener, cleaner Dorset

With the help of a £19 million Government grant, we have overseen the installation of energy saving and renewable energy measures at over 200 council-owned sites.

Measures range from improved insulation in offices to state-of-the-art energy management systems in schools.

These changes will also help protect the council and our partners from rising electricity and gas prices. The savings can then be redirected to help support our essential frontline services.

Energy saving measures, including solar panels to provide electricity and upgrades so our heating systems work efficiently and effectively, have been installed at 15 Dorset libraries.

These measures will save more than 275,000 kilo-watt hours of energy a year. This is over a quarter of the energy currently used at the sites. The solar panels alone are expected to save around £30,000 each year in electricity costs.

For free, impartial advice on saving energy in your own home or for financial support to install basic energy saving measures, visit Healthy Homes Dorset or call freephone 0300 003 7023.

Christmas and New Year recycling and waste collections

Refer to your calendar or check your collection days online.

1. We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day
2. No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday 9 January
3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
4. Extra recycling (including glass and food) will be collected on your recycling collection day. Please separate it and place in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person
5. Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas.   

Christmas trees

We do 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

Festive recycling

Remember you can recycle 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

Please place cooked and uncooked food in your food waste bin.

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside