We are currently setting next year’s budget. We have saved over £96 million since Dorset Council was created in 2019. This has been reinvested back into our frontline services, so no cuts are needed.
NHS Health checks just got easier This free check can tell you if you’re at higher risk of getting health problems like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a stroke. If you are aged 40 to 74 and are eligible you will be invited by your GP or pharmacy within the next 5 years. If… Read more Targeted free NHS Health Checks
Between now and 2025, most telephone network providers will be moving their customers from traditional landlines to digital technology. Your telecoms provider should contact you before the switchover to discuss what you need to do. Digital landlines will not work if there is a power cut. If you have no other means of calling the… Read more The old telephone network is being switched off
If you receive a Winter Fuel Payment but can manage without it, you could donate it to support Dorset residents who need a little extra help. This is possible through Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal. It provides grants of up to £200, making a significant impact for Dorset residents who could face the choice… Read more Give a warm Christmas
With Dorset Citizens Advice and Age UK, we provide support on a range of issues.
Dorset Council’s Highways team were delighted to have their work recognised on a national scale this month when they won the Best Partnership Award at the Highways Awards.
Our gritting crews are ready to make sure the area’s roads stay open when temperatures drop this winter.
Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will reopen for applications at 10am on Thursday 2 November 2023 for low-income households in the Dorset Council area. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given local authorities funding to support residents throughout the year. In Dorset, this support is in the form of supermarket… Read more Household Support Fund reopens next week
This October and November, doorstep interviewers are asking for views about the council and the services we provide.
In light of National Care Leavers’ Week, taking place from Wednesday 25 October to Wednesday 1 November, we urge our local community, organisations and businesses to lend their support to care-experienced young people in their community, as they head into adulthood.
Our highways maintenance gangs are out across the council area continuing to repair road damage.
With winter fast approaching and as the cost of living continues to rise, many families in Dorset are feeling the strain. We’ve been encouraging residents to donate clean and undamaged children’s coats, hats, and gloves for those aged 0-16, and they can now be collected. This heartfelt initiative aims to ensure that no child goes… Read more Collect children’s coats to help families facing struggles this winter
In an exciting announcement, Dorset Council and Commercial Services Group (CSG) will be forming a joint venture (JV) recruitment company to provide Dorset Council with its contingency and interim workforce. The JV will help the council to source key staff particularly in areas such as social care and waste collection.
Families of children with autism or a learning disability will be offered crucial respite, thanks to a newly renovated bungalow by Dorset Council. Hayeswood, a short breaks home in Wimborne, is set to become a vital resource for local families caring for children aged 8-17 with learning disabilities and autism. Families raising children with disabilities… Read more Hayeswood Bungalow in Wimborne, set to provide a nurturing hub for families of children with learning disabilities
Two consultations for the Dorset Council area have been launched. The first is seeking views on a proposal to retain the Weymouth Cumulative Impact Zone for alcohol licensing. This designation ensures that any changes to existing licences or any new applications are considered in relation to the whole area to reduce the potential for harm… Read more Alcohol and Gambling licensing consultations
Our Dorset, the Dorset Integrated Care System, has signed up to trial an innovative new product – the Milbotix SmartSocks – which can help sense when people with dementia or autism are in distress. The socks, which track heart rate, sweat, temperature and motion, aim to enable those caring for people to intervene before issues… Read more Putting our best foot forward – Smarter socks that could revolutionise patient care
A listed building on one of Dorset’s most iconic streets has been transformed and bought back into residential use, thanks to collaborative work between the owner and Dorset Council. The formerly derelict cottage on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, featured in the renowned Hovis advert 50 years ago and has now been removed from the council’s… Read more ‘Hovis’ listed building brought back to former glory.
Residents with carelines have been warned to look out for scammers asking for money as part of the ongoing switch away from analogue telephone lines. Some careline equipment needs to be upgraded as part of Ofcom’s requirement for BT and Openreach to update the telephone system to a digital one. BT and Openreach are moving… Read more Careline owners urged to watch out for scammers
Children who have experienced early-life trauma will receive improved therapeutic care from Youth Practitioners. A group of 17 youth practitioners from The Harbour has successfully earned an innovative Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Childcare. This pilot course is the first of its kind, and far exceeds the minimum mandatory requirement for the role. … Read more Youth practitioners in Dorset complete an innovative qualification in therapeutic childcare
Work is due to start at the Weymouth Harbour peninsula quayside next Monday, 16 October, to create new facilities for fishing, charter and harbourside businesses and improve the public spaces in this part of the harbour.
This month saw the launch of the Home Upgrade Grant in Dorset, a government-funded scheme helping homeowners and landlords improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through the scheme, households who do not use mains gas for heating, are on a low income, and have a low energy rating could be eligible for grants for… Read more Grants available to help Dorset’s vulnerable households save energy and lower bills
Residents across Dorset receiving support in their homes have been given a helping hand thanks to an innovative project, which has successfully reduced the waiting times for care packages. Working with the Dorset Care Association, Home Care Forum and providers, Dorset Council has reduced the waiting time to just 4.5 days compared to 28 days… Read more Home Care Optimisation pilot reduces home care waiting lists across Dorset
Next week, Dorset Council members will consider a report that seeks wider approval for the development of a Devolution Deal, including closer working with other councils.
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre with support from Active Dorset, is providing accessible and affordable clubs for Dorset’s young people. Dorset’s young people now have greater access to affordable clubs thanks to Active Dorset Satellite Club Funding, Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre has launched two new teen clubs, with the climbing club going from strength to strength.… Read more Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, offering affordable accessible adventures for Dorset’s young people
A consultation has opened inviting residents, local MP’s, councillors and community groups within the Dorset Council area to have their say on the location and suitability of their polling station.
Recent data has underscored the need for action, revealing a concerning trend where girls in Dorset are falling behind their male counterparts in maths performance. According to the latest statistics, only 66 per cent of girls achieved the expected standard in maths. This is 6 per cent below the national average. In contrast,… Read more Closing the gap between boys and girls in maths outcomes
Dorset Council’s volunteer digital champion service is ten years old and to celebrate is holding a ‘get online’ roadshow. During national ‘Get Online’ week (16-20 October) the council’s volunteers will be manning stalls in Sherborne, Bridport, Wool and Wimborne and anyone needing help to navigate the digital world are urged to come along. The volunteer… Read more Ten years of getting Dorset online
