Featured articles

Changes to marriage and civil partnership ceremonies

Dorset Council has made the very difficult decision to introduce restrictions to the number of people present at marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.  Following public health advice from central government and in the light of the decision by the Church of England last week, we will now be limiting attendance to the couple and two… Read more Changes to marriage and civil partnership ceremonies

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Funeral Services – Covid-19 emergency measures

Dorset Council has made the very difficult decision to introduce restrictions to the number of people attending funerals at Weymouth Crematorium. Taking account of Government guidance to limit the spread of Coronavirus and to protect the public and our staff operating this critical service, the following measures will apply from 25 March 2020.

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New contract to help people experiencing Domestic Abuse

The Domestic Abuse (DA) Bill is being introduced to ensure Local Authorities offer help and support to anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The Bill is expected to come in over the next 12 months. Local authorities in Dorset have always been committed to providing advice and support in the community, along with safe accommodation.… Read more New contract to help people experiencing Domestic Abuse

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Explaining the proposed council tax increase

Why is council tax proposed to increase? Council tax contributions for Dorset Council are proposed to increase by just under 4% to help fund the rising cost of adult social care and children’s services, protecting the most vulnerable people in society. Councillors will vote on this proposal at the Full Council meeting on 18 February.… Read more Explaining the proposed council tax increase

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Long-term empty property premiums to bring more empty homes back into use

On 28 January 2020, Dorset Council Cabinet members approved the 2020/21 Budget Strategy. The report will now to go Full Council on Tuesday 18 February for final approval. One of the approved initiatives relates to long-term empty properties seeing an increase in council tax premiums. Councillors approved in addition to existing premiums to: charge a… Read more Long-term empty property premiums to bring more empty homes back into use

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£15,000 given to local community organisations

The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund has awarded over £15,000 worth of grants to community organisations in the Dorchester area. Dorset Council collects the income from people who hired pitches at the weekly car boot sales. These are held on Sunday mornings in Fairfield Car Park in Dorchester. All the income collected is then awarded… Read more £15,000 given to local community organisations

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Dorset Council to increase funding for adult social care and children’s services

Dorset Council has submitted proposals for its 2020-21 budget in a report going to three Scrutiny Committees (People, Place and Resources) on 13 January. These proposals include: Increase in funding for adult social care of £11.7m, taking the budget from £111.2m last year to £122.9m to meet the forecast demand for social care for older… Read more Dorset Council to increase funding for adult social care and children’s services

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