I must start by first expressing a huge thank you to all of you who have offered your time and energy supporting the vulnerable during these unprecedented times. I’d also like to thank the Dorset Council employees and councillors who have all had to adapt to new ways of working to ensure frontline services are maintained.
The council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in May 2019. We have recently concluded an extensive period of public consultation on the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan and hope to be able to publish the findings in early spring.
We have an ambitious target for Dorset Council to be carbon neutral by 2040. This includes major works to reduce the council’s carbon footprint across its buildings. We have been successful in securing an offer of over £18 million in government funding to enable these works. Look out for further news in the coming months.
The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine is cause for optimism as we move towards fewer restrictions. In the meantime, stay safe and well and continue to follow the guidelines as we have done so well in Dorset.
Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council
