Dorset Council sets out proposed priorities

Posted on 30 Comments on Dorset Council sets out proposed priorities

Dorset Council Cabinet has approved its draft Council Plan outlining the organisation’s aspirations and priorities for the next four years.

Council plan The five priorities are:

  • Economic growth
  • Unique environment
  • Staying safe and well
  • Strong, healthy communities
  • Suitable housing.

The Council Plan outlines proposed activity to achieve these priorities, all contributing towards making Dorset “a great place to live, work and visit”.

Cutting across all of these priorities is the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and reducing its carbon footprint – work on which is currently underway through a cross-party Executive Advisory Panel, chaired by Cllr Ray Bryan, Cabinet Member for Highways, Travel and Environment.

Dorset Council will now engage with residents and partners throughout October, November and December to seek views and feedback on the draft Council Plan.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, said:

“I would like to thank councillors for their input in shaping this draft Council Plan over recent weeks. We are ambitious for the people of Dorset and this plan sets out our proposals for what we believe Dorset Council should deliver over the next four years.”

The final Council Plan, incorporating any feedback received from public engagement, will then be submitted to Full Council for approval alongside the council’s budget and the medium-term financial plan in February 2020. The Council Plan will inform all future decisions and policies adopted by the council.

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30 thoughts on “Dorset Council sets out proposed priorities”


  1. As a cultural leader in Dorset, I approve of the fact that the work of cultural organisations is acknowledged throughout the plan. I’d make the observation that this tends to be through our role as voluntary (or partially voluntary) groups, often working with older and excluded people. You also recognise the unique environment – which is beneficial to my institution, Lyme Regis Museum, at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, and by our contributions to the economy.

    However, I think the plan is deficient in not acknowledging the input and importance of culture within its structure. For example, the unique environment is hugely enhanced by the benefits brought by museums like mine. I’m sure one could make equally strong arguments from other sectors of Dorset culture, who too might feel that an opportunity may have been missed. It would be ideal not to have seen Culture acknowledged on its own merits as an important part of Dorset’s mix.

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  2. Stronger empahsis should be placed on tourism as a means of supporting business and leisure in Dorset.
    Support should be given to the localisation of cultural events in communities as a means of encouraging social contact and reducing transport movements.
    Such events would sustain community facilities and strengthen social interacton of residents in rural communities.

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  3. Hopefully, strong, healthy communities will include support for provision of entertainment in village halls, local churches etc. Artsreach does sterling work in this area. They also need financial support to help bring quality entertainment at affordable prices.

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  4. Very surprised that there is no mention of organisations such as Artsreach who do so much to take culture to the rural areas in a County where travel is private travel is needed to access anything outside the major centre and where public transport is virtually non existent, especially in the evenings. Concerts and plays etc all do their part to give good feelings to the population which in turn aids good health and improves the County as somewhere good to live.

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  5. Having looked at the draft plan there is no mention of the word ‘culture’ so it looks as though Dorset is likely to become a cultural desert. No mention as far as I could see regarding cultural tourism.

    I would have thought the investment into Cultural Tourism will help to strengthen our communities and their well being ( see the impact that Artsreach is currently having) And if these events take place in the community reduce travel distances consequently lower greenhouse emissions

    Consequently Cultural tourism supports the
    the local economy and sustainability of village assets (village halls, churches, school halls etc)
    Improves the health and wellbeing of local communities, improving social cohesion and reducing social isolation
    Touring schemes ( provides by Artsreach and other organisations) reduces carbon emissions by removing the need to travel distances to seek cultural events
    Makes Dorset an attractive county to live in or to holiday in – the added value

    Thank you

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  6. I am concerned that there is no mention in the draft plan with regards to either culture, the arts or tourism. In order to address the health and wellbeing of local communities we need to look at ways of improving social cohesion and reduce social isolation. Therefore it is essential that the cultural needs of local communities is addressed.

    Organisations such as Artsreach are dependent on a volunteer network of Promoters all working to ensure Dorset is not a cultural desert. They are all passionate about improving the health and welfare of the local community and aim to bring the community together by programming cultural events.
    This also ensures the sustainability of local assets, such as village halls, churches and school halls by some of the box office being retained by these venues to help with their overhead costs.

    Artsreach (a charity in Dorset) tours performances to rural venues across the county, thus reducing carbon emissions by removing the need for the local community to travel distances to seek cultural events.

    Additionally and very importantly, these events make Dorset an attractive county to live in and also to holiday in – thus improving the local economy.

    I feel passionate that the needs of the community are addressed through a cultural programme of activities and would be an advocate for this to be included in the draft plan – this is a fundamental requirement for a health society.

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    2. Having studied the draft plan, I see that there is no mention of the word culture. Is Dorset, in particular rural Dorset, set to become a cultural desert?
      Please feed back to the Council the lack of support for cultural events such as the splendid events staged by Artsreach. These events – and others put on by Arts organizations in Dorset -all demonstrate benefits such as:
      Adding to the local economy and sustainability of village assets ( village halls, churches, school halls etc).
      Improvement in the health and wellbeing of local communities, improvement of social cohesion and reduction of social isolation.
      Reduction of carbon emissions by removing the need to travel distances to seek cultural events
      Making Dorset an even more attractive county to live in or visit.
      It is essential that the Council recognizes these issues, and takes action accordingly in developing a plan for the future of our wonderful county.

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  7. I am a resident in Shipton Gorge. Having reviewed the Plan there seems to be a distinct lack of focus on maintaining the county’s cultural integrity.
    The local communities are glued together by many things, including interest and participation in events held in the villages. Without these, village assets such as village halls would struggle to be maintained and continue to be, often the heart of village life.

    For example the Artreach shows really build social cohesion and bring in elderly residents who rarely venture out and also are a great offering to the tourists visiting the county

    Dorset, I believe, celebrates a vibrant artist and cultural community but this has to be maintained with support and it is somewhat depressing that this need is not touched on in the Plan

    I hope you find these comments helpful

    Andrew

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  8. With regard to the 2020-2024 Council Plan.
    Simply put, any money for Arts and Culture? We villagers cannot survive on Bingo and Quizes alone!
    One of the reasons I moved to Dorset was its choice of Arts from mucis to theatre. Please lets not lose it.

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  9. Dear DCC,
    I read the draft plan with interest. There appears to be no mention of supporting the ARTS and CULTURE even though these play such an important part in supporting residents especially in isolated rural areas.
    May I highly recommend that the Council actively supports ARTSREACH which brings such high quality professional theatre, music and childrens shows to our village halls. This ticks many of the council’s aims to improve mental health, community cohesion, prevent isolation, support volunteering and active participation and by bringing shows close to villages, and helps with transport challenges. In addition it would help with:
    the local economy and sustainability of village assets (village halls, churches, school halls etc) and the touring scheme reduces carbon emissions by removing the need to travel distances to seek cultural events.
    All of which makes Dorset a more attractive county to live in or to holiday in.
    Kind Regards
    Dr Sue Beckers
    The Charmouth Practice GP
    Artsreach Promoter for Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall

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  10. Just a mention for need to help support activities of organisations which help mental well being of community I.e, Artsreach. I was a helper at a recent event and am involved at village level. It was a lovely happy event which people could attend without using transport. Mountain music. Showing how local music ended up in Appalachian mountains and being part of the country music scene. 80 very happy people enjoyed the event on a very miserable night, So thank you for promoting this event.

    Regards. Ann Smith

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  11. I am disappointed that the Plan does not appear to prioritise cultural activities. As a supporter of Artsreach events and knowing how well supported these events are, I am concerned that without recognition in the Plan, the valued financial support of the Council will be reduced which in turn will mean a reduction in events.

    Artsreach provides an opportunity for people in the community to have access to events they might otherwise not be able to attend. The events themselves bring people together, improving village cohesion, provide the venues with sorely needed financial input, offers visitors to the region interesting events and, because they are local, reduce the traffic and therefore emissions in the region.

    I would ask that the Council include specific reference to supporting local cultural events under its aim of developing and maintaining healthy communities.

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  12. May I very much echo the comments of other writers regarding the absence of a commitment to cultural activities in Dorset. We are, currently, extremely fortunate to have an excellent variety of events across the county, many under the auspices of Artsreach, which do much to encourage community spirit within the villages, as well as enabling people unable or unwilling to travel in today’s fuel-careful environment to access high quality music, drama and art in their own area. For people on holiday in the area these events are also a great attraction and I feel Dorset would be a much poorer place in all senses if the new Council is unable to offer enthusiastic support to enable our great success in offering cultural activities to continue.
    Kind regards,
    Pam Baker

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  13. When we were considering our move to Dorset, we attended an Artsreach event in a village hall nearby. We were truly amazed by the quality of the performance, and all in ‘just a local village hall’! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the night and it was good to think that such nights would be available for residents and holidaymakers to enjoy on future occasions! Thank you Artsreach!
    I endorse the comments of other correspondents regarding the need for the Council to give Artreach their unmittigated support – residents in Dorset’s rural communities would be very sad to see the demise of such a versatile and worthwhile organisation. But they do need financial support from the Council . Please do not forget Artreach,
    Many thanks – Margaret Taylor

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  14. From a quick read of the draft priorities, my comments are that some issues need more specific focus:
    Economic Growth – a greater priority on needs and development of small and independent businesses, especially in the retail sector to meet the decline of main streets in many of our local towns. The further decline of these centres will have a seriously detrimental effect of the economic and social life of these communities.
    Environment – brief reference is made to electric cars but this development will not be possible without a wholesale strategy for the provision of charging points/systems both to adequately provide for local residents as well as all the visitors, who will need to charge cars both on arrival and before they leave for home. However, our roads are already becoming busier and overcrowded with commuting to work and visitors, so alternative reliable and economic transport options will have to be developed, including rural bus and car services to reduce dependence on the (electric) motor car.
    Housing – housing registers unquestionably confirm the priority need for a huge increase in social housing provision at rents that ordinary people can afford to enable them to remain living in or close to their communities and workplaces
    Staying healthy – in relation to the priority “Recognise when the voluntary sector is best placed …and support them”, the last 10 years of austerity have significantly increased the workload and responsibility on many community groups in taking on tasks that were previously provided by statutory services. This trend cannot continue much further, and Dorset Council must increase rather than cut funding to these groups, to ensure that committed volunteers continue to receive the necessary level of training, supervision and support from paid staff, without which volunteers will not continue to give their valuable time.
    The proper well being of our communities can also only be achieved with active support and funding to the many theatre, music and artistic groups that offer such a diversity of cultural challenges and experiences, from the BSO (a national jewel in Dorset’s crown), Artsreach, Dorchester Arts Centre and many more.
    Staying Safe – in addition to focus on education, it is not going to be possible to fully meet the development needs of our young people , or effectively respond to the current particular pressures for mental health support and the county lines drug culture etc, without a properly established and funded youth service.

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  15. The plan highlights the percentage of over 65’s but does not address the needs of disabled residents which is correspondingly high. As a member with my wife of the ‘Disabled Ramblers’ we travel all over the UK – and at the moment Dorset provides few facilities for the disabled to get out and about. For comparison, two examples – look at Lancashire’s work to open up the countryside with Tramper scooters and trails across the county, and Cumbria’s accessible trail book in the Lake District. You do not mention if you have a required ‘Open Access Forum’ to highlight priorities in this area but at the moment access is poor to non existant across much of S Dorset outside Bournemouth.
    The second plan deficit is that it does not link the need for more industry and business with transport facilities. For instance, again two examples – a much improved East-West road link (as the earlier A14 improvement in Cambs/ Northampton proved) would increase the attractiveness of much of southern Dorset to business and provision of a higher speed rail link from Bournemouth to the main London – Cornwall line would again speed business traveller access. Try getting a rail ticket from Exeter to Bournemouth – take all day and spend a fortune going via central London or buy two tickets Exeter to Yeovil, then a taxi to Yeovil South Station 2 for an all stopping train to Bournemouth. Which business person would choose Dorset as their location for warehousing or business to support clients in the S of England?

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