Dorset Council News (Issue 10)

Dorset Council News

Spring

10

Our budget explained

Self-care

Hangovers Coughs Colds Bruises and grazes Small cuts

NHS 111

GP advice

Minor injuries

Breaks and sprains. Minor burns and wound infections. Cuts and grazes.

Pharmacy

999 THE AVERAGE FAMILY OF FOUR CAN SAVE JUST OVER £60 PER MONTH BY REDUCING THEIR FOOD WASTE. FIND OUT MORE AT DORSETCOUNCIL.GOV.UK/ LOVEFOODHATEWASTE ƒ fast and reliable ƒ Dorset based qualified surveyors ƒ local site knowledge ƒ innovative and competitive Dorset Council Building Control Helping with your building regulation applications Call us on 01305 252254 or 01202 228948 email: buildingcontrol1@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Breathing difficulties Blood

After a long winter, with many pressures, it is good to look forward to the warmer months.

Planning ahead is something that takes up much of my time as Leader of the Council.

This includes working with councillors to set our budget. In the national context of significant financial challenges, our overriding aim remains to protect the essential frontline services on which you rely. Despite high inflation, we have kept the increase in our share of the council tax for 2023/24 to a minimum while protecting those services.

We continue to provide financial support for the hardest hit. If you are struggling with the high cost of living, please remember support is out there for you. Citizens Advice Dorset offers advice and can be contacted on freephone 0800 144 8848. If you feel you are struggling to pay your council tax, call us on 01305 221000 or search for ‘council tax support’ on our website.

I’m pleased to say we recently secured £19.5 million of the government’s Levelling Up funding to regenerate Weymouth’s harbourside economy, as well as other successful funding bids. Our work with government to secure more funding for Dorset is starting to pay off.

Looking ahead to the coronation of King Charles III over the May bank holiday weekend (6 to 8 May), it will be a time to celebrate with residents and communities coming together to mark this historic occasion.

Our communities make Dorset the special place it is, and we remain committed to getting the best for every one of you.

All material printed in this magazine is the copyright of the parties mentioned and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. All details correct at time of going to print and are subject to change.

Dorset Council cannot vouch for the legitimacy of, or endorse, any advertiser in Dorset Council News.

If you prefer to receive an email copy of Dorset Council News, please let us know at comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Cllr Spencer Flower

Thanking our outstanding volunteers

Seventy fruit trees have been planted across Dorset to thank and honour volunteers who worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 100 people were thanked for their selflessness and commitment after we asked people to nominate their heroes through the Dorset Volunteer Heroes Award scheme.

From checking in on neighbours, delivering groceries and medicines to visiting those feeling isolated, the help of the volunteers was priceless.

Thousands more residents offered support by volunteering, so we want to say a heartfelt thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do.

The fruit trees have been planted in various locations including Weymouth, Sherborne, Bridport, Dorchester, and Wimborne.

A safe haven for young women

A new pilot project has launched to help keep young women safer when out and about.

If things don’t go to plan, the Pineapple Project gives young women a safe haven, perhaps by stepping into a local shop to put some distance between them and the person bothering them.

The businesses taking part are supported so they can recognise signs that a young woman could be at risk of harm, and know how to offer them help.

The first scheme is in Weymouth and we hope to offer something similar in other towns.

Custom House Quay transformed

The wonderful harbourside in Weymouth is a place that now embraces café culture, has cleaner air and is safer for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. Local craftsmen and materials were used to provide the seating and the working harbour is thriving once more.

In early 2020 we secured funding from government to remove the disused railway tracks along the quay and took the opportunity to rethink its layout, making people the priority.

People were asked for their feedback on the proposals, and we received more than 1,400 responses with overall support.

Easier customer service for BSL users

We have launched a new service to support our Deaf community using British Sign Language (BSL). Available online, and at our customer service access points in our libraries and at County Hall, Dorchester, customers will be connected to a fully qualified BSL interpreter. SignVideo relays the conversations with our customer service team, enabling deaf BSL customers to access council information and raise queries in the same way as other customers.

Find out more www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/contactus or telephone 01305 221000

Be ready for emergency situations

Whether it’s too hot or cold, wet or windy, or something else, emergencies like flooding, fire, ill health and power cuts can happen at any time. Follow our top tips to be prepared.

Make decisions based on information from us, the emergency services and government departments like the Environment Agency and Met Office. You can get this from the news, our websites, social media or text and email alerts.

Be supported with extra help if you are vulnerable. Sign up to Priority Services Registers via your water, gas and electricity providers.

Stay well by keeping stocked up with prescription and over the counter medications you use regularly. Stay warm in cold weather and keep hydrated in all weather.

Be safe at home, know how to turn off things like your water mains.

Be prepared for power cuts with a wind-up torch and radio, or torch and spare batteries to hand. Call 105 free of charge or visit powercut105.com for help and advice.

Find more tips and advice on our website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies

Borrow an iPad for up to six weeks

To help with job hunting and training, free iPads are available at some of our libraries.

The devices are easy to use with an instructional video and support from library staff and digital champions.

The libraries are:

ƒ Blandford

ƒ Bridport

ƒ Ferndown

ƒ Swanage

ƒ Weymouth

If the scheme is successful, we hope to increase the number of libraries able to offer this service.

If you could benefit, please complete our form at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/borrow-an-ipad or ask at any of our libraries listed above.

Creating stronger, healthier communities

Money saving offers for people caring for others

If you regularly support a friend or relative with everyday tasks due to their mental or physical health, disability or substance misuse, you can access discounts and other benefits from businesses and venues around Dorset.

Hundreds of discounts, from sports and hobbies to trades and computers, are available when you register for a free Carers Card. The card also gives you access to support and advice designed for people caring for others.

You don’t need to live with the person you support, and it doesn’t matter if they also receive professional support.

Sign up today by calling 0800 368 8349 or visit carersupportdorset.co.uk/ information-hub/carers-card

Cost of living help for you

With Dorset Citizens Advice and Age UK, we offer advice and guidance on money and benefits, housing, support for children, utility costs, managing debt and much more.

From free school meals to council tax energy rebates, supermarket vouchers and help for food projects, with government funding we provided nearly £20 million of support to residents last year. You do not need to manage alone, please get in touch for free, confidential help and advice.

Visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/cost-of-living-help or call Dorset Citizens Advice free on 0800 1448848

Ten years of helping people get online

Our volunteer digital champions have been helping Dorset residents learn essential digital skills since 2013, and their support has never been so needed. A national survey recently revealed 10 million people lack basic digital skills, and people who are offline are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential services like the NHS. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, our team of friendly volunteer digital champions are waiting to help you at our libraries.

To book an appointment, call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 Monday to Friday

Sign up to support people affected by domestic abuse

Do you have regular contact with people in your town or village? Perhaps you work in a shop or library or are active in your community. You could train to become a Dragonfly champion, supporting people affected by domestic abuse. Dragonfly is a project we fund to deliver community-based support for people. Dragonfly champions are a point of contact for those experiencing domestic abuse, and help people access support services.

Once trained, you will:

ƒ receive material identifying you as someone who is safe to approach

ƒ have access to support and guidance

ƒ be invited to attend events

All workshops are free and take place online. Find out more and book a place at paragonteam.org.uk/ dragonfly-project

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, call the council’s partner Paragon on 0800 0325204 for confidential support. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Help to develop your child’s communication

A free website for parents and carers supports children and young people’s speech, language and communication development. If you need a little extra support for your child, you can develop a pathway of specially tailored help.

Speech, language, and communication play a vital role in our children’s lives, helping them understand what is going on around them, communicate their basic needs, solve problems, and more.

The Balanced System provides a range of resources where you can build your pathway, track progress and see organisations that can support you.

Go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ speech-and-language

We’re hiring!

Kickstart a new career with your life, parenting or care skills, supporting adults with additional needs. You’ll have time to build quality relationships and work flexibly at home.

Arrange a chat with us today, call 01305 221393.

A support network for foster care families

Did you know that as a Dorset foster carer, you can get support from a network of like-minded foster care families?

Thanks to the award winning Mockingbird programme, hubs of six to ten fostering families support each other in a similar way to an extended family.

A hub home family at the centre organises at least

one social event every month, offers emotional and practical support and can even have the children for sleepovers. This is one of many ways our foster carers are supported in Dorset through the Fostering Network.

Find out more about fostering, with no commitment to apply, at FosterWithDorsetCouncil.com/call-back or call us on 01305 221000

Our budget explained

Councillors’ overriding aim in setting the council’s budget for 2023 to 24 is to protect the essential frontline council services on which local residents and businesses rely.

A balanced budget has been set without the need for service cuts. This was achieved within a challenging national picture of extreme financial pressures for councils, with high inflation increasing the cost of delivering council services.

Dorset Council provides around 450 different services to 380,000 residents. Waste collection, road maintenance, planning, housing, libraries, and adults and children social care are just some of the vital services which support the smooth running of our local communities.

Since becoming a unitary council in 2019, savings of £76 million

have been made through the removal of managerial duplication and re-designing how services are provided. This money has been reinvested into frontline services, including funding the growing need for adult social care resulting from our ageing population. How is council tax affected?

Council tax has increased by just under two per cent and the adult social care precept by two per cent to bring in the required funding to maintain services. This equates to £1.40 extra per week for a Band D property, and is below the maximum five per cent increase the government has allowed councils to make, and well below the current rate of inflation.

Financial support

We know many people in Dorset are affected by the cost of living crisis and support is available for those hardest hit. If you feel you are struggling to pay your council tax, please get in touch: search for ‘council tax support’ on our website.

Citizens Advice Dorset also offers advice and support if you are struggling with household bills.

Call freephone: 0800 144 8848

or visit: citizensadvicedorset.org.uk

2023/2024 - Dorset Council sources of funding

Where does Dorset Council’s funding come from?

Total (net)

£347.6m

Council Tax £292.1m (84.0%)

The money we receive from our residents to pay for the services we provide

Retained Business Rates £50.2m (14.4%)

The money we receive from businesses such as shops, offices, hotels and factories to pay for the services we provide

Other £4.6m (1.3%)

A number of smaller, specific grants from central government such as the Rural Services Delivery and New Homes Bonus

Revenue Support Grant £0.7m (0.2%)

The funding we receive from central government in the form of revenue support grant

2023/2024 - How will Dorset Council spend its money?

What is Dorset Council’s budget spent on?

Total budget (net)

£347.6m

Keeping you moving

When you’re out and about in the Dorset Council area, you can guarantee our highways team played a part in getting you safely to your destination.

We look after 2,400 miles of highways, improving, repairing or building new roads, footways and cycleways. We are also responsible for bridges, subways, drainage, street lighting, bus stops, road signs, street markings, parking, traffic lights, winter maintenance, road safety and landslip safety

Rebuilding bridges

We have a duty of care to ensure that all bridges, whether one of the 2,500 we own, or those associated with public rights of way, are in tip-top and safe condition. Work may be a simple repair or a larger scale refurbishment.

Our close-knit team, with years of local experience, works with councils and organisations and utilises the skills of local specialist companies. This ensures the right work takes place at the right time and is sympathetic to nature, the structure itself and the surrounding area.

Find out more about rights of way and walks at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/countryside

Need to tell us about a problem?

We regularly inspect our roads and pavements, but sometimes problems arise between inspections. These could be potholes or other road surface issues, damaged streetlights, overgrown trees, blocked drains, abandoned vehicles, dead animals in the road or fly tipping and graffiti.

You can report on our website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/report-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement

Or call our 24-hour highways line on 01305 221020 to report hazards, obstructions and dangerous situations that could cause damage or injury.

Not all roads are maintained by us. If you need to report a problem on the A31, A303 or the A35 west of Bere Regis, please visit the National Highways at: report.nationalhighways.co.uk or call them on 0300 123 5000.

Marnhull Sturminster Newton

Live a healthier life

A big healthy lifestyle change, like giving up smoking or managing our weight, can feel overwhelming. We might start well and with the best intentions but then hit a barrier and it all comes tumbling down. Sometimes we don’t even start because it just seems too much.

This is where LiveWell Dorset, your council-funded health and wellbeing service, can make a difference. They support adults looking to manage weight, become more active, stop smoking or reduce drinking.

They are experts at helping people overcome all sorts of barriers and setbacks on the road to success. They can build a personal action plan with access to the tools to succeed. Whether it’s weightloss vouchers, nicotine replacement or one to one coaching, it is all free.

It only takes a few minutes to register by phone on 0800 840 1628 (freephone) or online at livewelldorset.co.uk

Mental health support for young people

It can be difficult for young people to know where to turn if they’re struggling, but support is there, whatever the problem.

The following provide free, confidential mental health support:

Connection: 24/7 Dorset helpline for all ages, call free on 0800 652 0190

Samaritans: on-hand 24/7 to talk, no matter how big or small the problem, call free on 116 123

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 at any time for free confidential support, wherever you are

Kooth: online wellbeing community. Visit the website at kooth.com

There’s more about mental health support and activities at www.dorsetyouth.com/mentalhealth

Think home not hospital

NHS hospitals continue to be extremely busy, so everything you can do to ease the pressure helps make sure services are there for people who need them most.

If you, a family member or friend are being admitted to hospital, start to think about what will happen when it is time to be discharged. Do you need to make changes at home or look for extra care?

There are many reasons why people may stay in hospital. However when someone is ready to leave it can help with recovery to be at home or in the care of a loved one.

You may be offered a care package or support, please consider the offer carefully and accept it if it fulfils individual needs.

Economic prosperity

Making sure Dorset has the skills for a digital future

Inspiring our workforce to build the skills needed for the future and establishing Dorset as a leading digital community are the two priorities for a new partnership. The new Dorset Digital Skills Partnership includes Dorset and BCP councils, the NHS, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Dorset Chamber of Commerce, local universities and further education colleges, plus local businesses.

Any Dorset organisation or business that would like to join the partnership can email digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for further information.

Investment in Weymouth

We secured £19.5 million of the government’s Levelling Up funding in January to regenerate Weymouth’s economy. Weymouth was chosen as it met the government’s strict criteria for the funding. It will be used to bring three key development sites up to a standard that will enable us to attract external investors to develop them, helping to regenerate the economy. This funding allows us to deliver transformational change at North Quay, the Peninsula and in the town centre, by repurposing the high street and expanding leisure and recreational facilities in the town.

Supporting businesses and communities

We will receive around £4.5million of government funding over the next two years through the UK Shared Prosperity fund, which replaces EU funding. This will help us to continue several key programmes and launch some new initiatives, which include:

ƒ continuing energy advice to businesses and organisations through Low Carbon Dorset, see lowcarbondorset.org.uk

ƒ expanding Healthy Homes Dorset which installs loft and cavity wall insulation and offers free, impartial energy advice, call

freephone 0300 003 7023

ƒ developing affordable sustainable transport, especially for younger people

ƒ a new programme to support business growth and offer business advice

ƒ new courses to help people enter the jobs market and secure better paid employment.

Keep up to date with business support and advice and sign up to our regular e-newsletter at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ business

Creating sustainable development and homes

Have your say on housing

Our vision is for everyone to have access to affordable, suitable, secure homes where they can live well as part of thriving communities, so we are forming a plan to support this vision.

It will outline how the council aims to tackle issues across our area. This includes how we plan to reduce homelessness, provide more affordable homes and support housing initiatives to tackle the cost of living crisis and improve the energy efficiency of homes.

Housing issues affect all of us, so we want to hear from you! We will be inviting you to have your say later in the summer.

Keep an eye on our website, the local press and social media for more information on how you can take part.

Hosts wanted

Calling all landlords

Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?

Could you provide a home for a young person leaving our care?

We’ll guarantee the deposit, rent up front and rent payments for the first 12 months.

We provide the young person with practical and financial support and help them with essential life skills, such as being a good tenant and neighbour and budgeting.

You will both have access to a dedicated worker to ensure the tenancy is a long-term success.

For a no obligation chat, call our care leavers team on 01202 868257 or email clopportunities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Register with us if you can offer help to Ukrainians in Dorset needing a new home.

Hundreds of people across Dorset have already offered a place of safety and sanctuary to Ukrainian guests under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. There has been a fantastic response and we are now looking for more hosts to help our Ukrainian guests.

As a host you’ll receive a monthly thank you payment. Local community and voluntary organisations will also provide you with help, support and advice.

We currently need homes with two bedrooms or more for families with children, in towns or near schools, shops, employment and transport.

To find out more, and to register as a host, visit our website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/refugee-programme-indorset

Protecting our natural environment, climate & ecology

Investing in sustainable transport

With BCP Council, we’re using government funds to transform travel options in the southeast of Dorset. This includes new cycling and walking routes, bus improvements, and safe and healthy travel options, helping reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Protecting and managing our greenspaces

To encourage wildlife, we’ve changed the way we manage our greenspaces. This includes cutting hedgerows less, planting more trees and shrubs, and helping wildflowers to thrive on our roadside verges.

Improving electric vehicle infrastructure

Emissions from petrol and diesel powered vehicles can have a negative impact on our environment and our health. Switching to electric alternatives can help tackle this.

To support residents and visitors to make the switch, we’re increasing the number of public chargepoints across Dorset.

Supporting farmers and land managers with nature recovery

Grants are being provided to farmers and land managers to help create wildlife rich habitats and help lessen the impacts of climate change, through Dorset AONB’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.

Helping businesses and communities reduce their carbon footprints

Through our Low Carbon Dorset programme, businesses and community groups can access free advice on reducing their carbon emissions and saving on energy costs.

Reducing the environmental impact of our highways

We are using a new environmentally friendly road surface material. The asphalt is made at lower temperatures and laid more quickly, saving energy and time.

With government funding, we’ve installed solar panels at our Charminster highways depot. The free electricity generated provides power to buildings and tools, and charges the depot’s vehicles.

We are reusing old road surfacing when we can instead of buying new, thanks to new low energy recycling processes.

Saving energy from our streetlights

A programme is underway to replace 9,000 streetlights with LEDs. This is expected to save energy and money, and improve lighting levels.

Read about the steps we’re taking to create a greener, cleaner Dorset, and action you can take at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/protectingour-environment

Dorset’s natural environment is one of our most defining and valuable assets. That’s why we are investing £10 million over the next few years to strengthen our work to protect and restore it.

What can be recycled

We hope you find our kerbside bin collection scheme simple to use. Sometimes it’s not obvious what can be recycled and what cannot, so please note the following.

Non-disposable glass like drinking glasses, candle pots, Pyrex, window panes and mirrors - is treated with chemicals, helping it melt at higher temperatures. These chemicals mean it cannot go in your glass recycling box, so please wrap it tightly with paper and place in your rubbish bin.

Not all plastics are the same, toys, flower pots, and other hard plastics are made of different materials that we can’t recycle at the kerbside.

Plastic food and drink pots, tubs, bottles and trays of any colour (not polystyrene) should go in your recycling bin. Nappies and medical sharps cause big problems when sorting and should NEVER be placed with your recycling. Nappies go in the rubbish bin, while needles should be kept in a sharps box and returned to your GP or a needle exchange service.

Check which bin you should be using at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin