Dorset Council News (Issue 9)

Dorset Council News

Dorset news Cost of living help Recycling and waste collection days

We are entering a challenging winter period. The significant increase in energy costs has hit the council hard, as it has households and businesses.

Our article on the centre pages explains the help we have been able to pass on to you from Government grants, and other support available.

My advocacy for Dorset continues by working with the new Prime Minster, and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, to get a fairer deal and more investment in Dorset. I am also seeking continued support for hard pressed families in Dorset to help them through the energy crisis, caused by the Ukraine war. We continue to offer support to Ukrainian families who have been displaced by the war.

However, we must look to the future with optimism. The council has an important role to play in helping to drive economic growth in Dorset. Do take a look at page 12 for some examples of how we are supporting businesses to grow, creating more high-quality jobs for local people. You can view our whole plan for Dorset at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/council-plan.

We currently have significant financial challenges ahead for setting the budgets for 2023/24. However, I will do all I can, along with my councillor colleagues to safeguard the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Dorset and make it a great place to live, work and visit.

Finally, I want to reflect on the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I’m certain King Charles III will continue her fantastic legacy.

Cover image - Representatives from

Internet and the Government following

fibre broadband roll out to key

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Cllr Spencer Flower - Leader of the Council

Shaping our libraries

In October 2021, we launched the first phase of our consultation when we asked you to help shape the future of Dorset’s library service. We received over 7,500 responses – thank you!

What you told us helped us understand what people value about our libraries, how we could develop our services, and how we can be relevant to those who do not normally visit a library.

We now need your help to further develop the plans for the future, by telling us what is most important to you.

Dorset’s volunteers make a difference

From checking on neighbours and delivering groceries and medicines, to making friendly phone calls or visiting those feeling isolated, thousands of people across the county have benefited from the help and kindness of a volunteer in Dorset.

We want to say a huge thank you for helping to make Dorset such a very special place!

Olivia Bowditch, 16, a student at The Gryphon School in Sherborne, is a volunteer and was one of the brilliant people nominated in our recent Volunteer Heroes Awards.

Olivia said: “I genuinely think that volunteering makes you a well-rounded person - I wish we could make it part of the school curriculum so that it becomes part of who we are.

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Your views are helping us with our mission to: Inspire, Connect and Enable our communities through our library services.

See the consultation at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/letstalk-libraries

Call 01305 221000 to complete the survey over the phone, or get a paper copy of the consultation at your local library.

“Together we can fill in the gap so that it lightens the blow when councils are stretched. We just need to put our phones down now and again and put something good into the world. You never know what tomorrow will bring and whether you will be the one asking for help!

“Something small, like buying an extra packet of biscuits for a foodbank, or asking a neighbour if they need anything from the shop, can make all the difference.”

Find out more about volunteering at volunteeringdorset.org.uk or telephone the Volunteer Centre Dorset on 01305 269214.

Thousands of Dorset premises to get futureproof broadband

Over 7,000 Dorset homes and businesses will be the first in the country to receive next generation broadband through the Government’s nationwide £5 billion Project Gigabit programme.

The Government has awarded the contract to Blandford-based Wessex Internet to deliver the roll-out in parts of north and east Dorset.

It is expected the first homes and businesses will be connected by the end of this year, with the roll-out completed by 2025.

The higher your broadband speeds are, the better experience you’ll have doing things like working from home, streaming TV and films, or banking and shopping online. It’s good for businesses too, making it easier and faster to do business from even the most remote parts of the UK.

Gigabit-capable broadband is expected to be delivered to a further 140,000 homes in the next three years, with several broadband suppliers planning to invest millions into the county.

The only crematorium in Poole, Purbeck and North Dorset

Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside, our stunning modern crematorium enjoys a peaceful rural environment, with panoramic views of the hills of Purbeck and Poole Harbour.

This investment from the Government and commercial suppliers will play a key part in helping the local economy.

There will be a second phase of Project Gigabit for rural areas in the rest of Dorset that are not included in commercial broadband plans. Broadband suppliers are expected to be invited to submit bids for this in 2023.

Earlier this year, it was also confirmed schools, libraries and Durlston Country Park will benefit from full-fibre broadband using funding from the programme. The 35 sites to benefit are in areas where there are no commercial plans to roll out full fibre broadband.

If you would like advice about improving your broadband, send an email to connectingdorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am-midday).

A complete funeral service, without the need for a Funeral Director.

■ A beautiful, peaceful location

■ Air-conditioned Ceremony Hall

■ Full funeral home facilities

Funeral packages from £2,795

25 to 250 people

Catering facilities for wakes

Please call 01202 630111, visit www.harbourview.co.uk or contact any office of Tapper Funeral Service.

Creating stronger, healthier communities

We work with public services, community leaders, residents and voluntary groups to develop and maintain strong support networks and communities.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will benefit from the next phase of our ambitious multi-million pound investment plan.

We are creating more spaces in education for children and young people with SEND, for all levels of need. This includes projects at existing special schools and new inclusion hubs at mainstream schools.

Inclusion Hubs will enable children with SEND to be part of the classroom, but also give them space when they need more specialist support.

These plans will enable all our children and young people to have the best possible chance to learn in a setting suited to their needs.

We will build on the capabilities of our mainstream schools to support more children and young people with SEND, which will ensure more children can attend a local school.

Extra school funding

If your child receives free school meals and they are aged 7+, their school automatically receives extra government funding called the Pupil Premium.

If your child is under 7 and you receive qualifying benefits, you will need to apply for the funding:

If they are in Early Years, please ask your provider about the Pupil Premium.

If they are aged 5-7, please complete our online Pupil Premium application form.

Find out more and apply at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/pupilpremium or call 01305 221090.

New provision for children in care

A fantastic new facility is opening in Weymouth for Dorset’s children in care, or those who are in and out of care.

Known as “The Harbour”, it brings together a range of accommodation options, services and outreach support. This includes a team

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of professionals from different organisations to support young people. Approved foster carers will also be on site to work in the residential home and build relationships with our young people.

A voice and ear for parents and carers

Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) supports parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND.

DPCC works hard to improve services by ensuring that families’ voices are heard. With Dorset Council and the NHS, DPCC helps shape local and national services and policy.

DPCC can signpost families to support and also has three accessible beach huts their members can hire!

Find out more or volunteer to help by emailing dpcc@ dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk or call 07827 793244.

Children in Dorset need your help

Every 20 minutes, a child comes into care needing a foster family in the UK.

Could you become one of our Dorset foster carers and provide a loving home close to a child’s school, friends and birth family? We particularly need foster carers for older children and sibling groups.

You will get full training and support.

Register your interest and find out more at fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com or call 01305 221000.

Our Armed Forces commitment

The council has received an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award as part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme.

We’re ready and waiting to help you get online

Our volunteer digital champions help thousands of Dorset residents get online and gain confidence using digital devices.

On average, every month, our champions see 130 people at sessions across Dorset and take around 120 calls via our Digital Hotline.

We have recently recruited more volunteer digital champions. New recruit, Paul Hutchings, said: “I know how the older generation can struggle to connect, and it’s my passion to help.”

Fellow new champion Ellen Paver will use her skills as a British Sign Language student to help. She said: “I’m excited to help deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people use technology as an accessibility tool.”

The digital champions can assist with any digital issue – from online shopping to ordering prescriptions and setting up and using new devices.

Find your nearest digital champion advice session, or ask for help, by calling the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday).

We are proud that many past and present military personnel, or their families, work for, or on behalf of, the council. This award strengthens our commitment to them and our association with the Armed Forces. These employees bring us valuable skills, knowledge and experience gained through their service to our country.

Achieving the Gold Award is part of our pledge through the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in their communities.

See more about our pledge at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant

Supporting Dorset’s carers

Do you regularly look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help?

You may not recognise yourself as a carer but you could be if you provide regular support to a friend, relative or neighbour.

Contact Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 or visit carersupportdorset.co.uk for more information and advice.

more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Cost of living help when you need it Government payments this autumn

As we head into the winter months, many of us are worried about the rising cost of living. We are working with organisations including Citizens Advice and Age UK Dorset to provide a range of support.

Free, confidential and impartial support on money worries, accessing affordable food, housing and employment rights, and looking after our mental health is available to everyone. No one needs to manage alone.

Money worries take up lots of headspace, leaving us with much less mental energy and time to make good decisions about our money. Remembering to look after ourselves can also be hard. Talking to someone can help point us in the right direction and provide the strength to tackle problems.

Reach out early for whatever help you need if you are struggling in any way. If small problems have already become bigger ones, get support now.

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help where you’ll find the latest advice and financial support available. Alternatively, cut out and keep the guide opposite.

Domestic energy customers: monthly credits from October, £400 in total

Households on low income means tested benefits: £324 this autumn

Households on Tax Credits: two instalments, £326 this autumn and £324 in winter

Pensioner households: an extra £300 added to winter fuel payments from mid-November

We have been allocated funds for a third round of the Household Support Fund which will continue from October 2022 to March 2023. Look out for more details on our website and in local press.

How we are supporting you

Over 121,000 Dorset households (properties in council tax bands A-D) received the £150 council tax energy rebate earlier this year, amounting to more than £18 million. A further £2 million has been distributed through the Household Support Fund (HSF) to people on low incomes. This includes working age and older people, care leavers, and families.

Help and advice guide

Citizens Advice and Age UK (for over 55s) offer free, independent and confidential advice and support. If you need to talk to someone, whatever problems you are facing, do contact them first. Call Age UK on Freephone 0800 678 1602 or find Citizens Advice contact details below.

Accessing food

Don’t skip meals. Find your nearest foodbanks, community fridges and affordable food.

Visit helpandkindness.co.uk/ food-projects or call 01305 595958

Call Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 or visit your local Citizens Advice office

Benefits

Claim benefits for the first time or check if you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/benefits or call 01305 211970

Business support

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living to check what support is available for businesses.

Council tax

Problems paying your council tax or check if you can claim Council Tax Support.

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/counciltax

If you live in East or North Dorset, call 0345 034 4569

If you live in Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth or Portland, call 01305 211970

Extra money for older people

If you are on a low income, check if you can claim Pension Credit. It helps with council tax, NHS treatment, heating costs and more.

Visit gov.uk/pension-credit or call Pension Service helpline 0800 731 0469

Housing

Homelessness support, housing register (social housing) and general housing advice.

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/homelessness or call 01305 221000

Managing your money

Budgeting and managing debts or unpaid bills.

Visit citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money or call 0800 144 8848 or visit your local Citizens Advice.

Mental health and wellbeing

Tips on wellbeing and support if you need to talk.

Visit publichealthdorset.org.uk/mental-health or call Connection (NHS) available 24 hours a day 0800 652 0190

In a life-threatening situation always call 999

Support for children

Check your eligibility for free school meals, healthy start vouchers and childcare funding.

Free school meals

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/free-school-meals or call 01305 221090

Healthy Start vouchers

Visit healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply or call 0300 3307010

For childcare funding

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/childcare-fundingoptions or call 01305 221066

Utility bills

Contact your supplier for help in the first instance if you can’t pay your gas, electricity, phone/broadband or water bills, and for information about lower tariffs for eligible people.

For advice and guidance on energy call

Citizens Advice Energy Unit 01929 775500 or email energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk

Work worries

Advice on your employment rights if you are worried about your work.

Visit citizensadvice.org.uk/work or call Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 or visit your local Citizens Advice office

Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Ten steps to save energy around the home

With energy prices at an all-time high and the impacts of climate change being felt across the globe, these steps to save energy around the home could help protect our pockets and our planet…

1. Unplug appliances. Turn appliances off standby by switching them off at the wall where you can.

2. Switch off lights. Turn off lights when you’re not using them or when you leave a room.

3. Replace old bulbs. When it’s time to change a lightbulb fit a low energy bulb in its place.

4. Think before you fill. Only fill your kettle with the water you need.

5. Wash at 30º. Wash your clothes at 30 degrees and, if you can, use one less cycle a week.

6. Dry laundry outside. Dry washing outside or on a clothes rack rather than in a tumble dryer.

7. Shower don’t soak. Swap baths for short showers (reduce showers by just 1 minute to save even more).

8. Wait for a full load. Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full.

9. Keep out draughts. Draught-proof your windows and doors and close curtains at night to keep the warmth in and the cold out.

10. Turn down your thermostat

Turn your heating down by just 1 degree (if comfortable to do so) and cut heating bills by around 10%.

Combined, these small changes could lead to some big savings. How much you save will depend on your individual household – but it’s estimated that these simple steps could reduce your energy bills by more than £300 a year.

For more help on how you can reduce energy bills, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/energy-saving-advice

Give the gift of a warm Christmas

If you receive a Winter Fuel Payment but can manage without it, did you know you can donate it to support Dorset residents who need a little extra help.

We are supporting the Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal which provides individual grants of up to £200 for people in fuel poverty who would face the choice between eating well and keeping their own home warm.

To donate, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org Telephone 01202 670815

Shaping the future of adult social care

A big thank you to all of you who have shared your views on the future of adult social care.

Throughout September and October residents who use these services, their families and people who work in the sector joined us at events across the Dorset Council area. We talked about the challenges and support needed for older people, for people of working age, and for carers.

While our events have now ended, you can keep up to date with progress on the plans and have until 21 November to comment at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/a-better-life

New care provider for adults

Care Dorset is the council’s new provider for Adult Social Care and took over from Tricuro in October.

Services and staff members transferred to the new company so anyone who currently uses those services shouldn’t notice a difference.

Find out more about care services in Dorset at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults

If you need to speak to the adult social care team, email adultaccess@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call 01305 221016.

Support within reach

Over 45% of Dorset Council’s population live in rural areas and for people struggling with mental health difficulties, that can sometimes feel isolating. But support is always within reach.

Simply talking to someone about the challenges you’re facing – however big or small – can make a huge difference. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to friends or family, these services are available 24/7 and are on-hand to listen:

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Dorset’s NHS mental health helpline Connection is open 24/7 – call 0800 652 0190

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Samaritans are available to talk at any time. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org and someone will get back to you within 24 hours

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Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, confidential support via text

You might be surprised at the support nearby too, even in smaller rural communities, including wellbeing activities, support groups, drop-in services and more. Find out more at lightonmh.uk/withinreach

Get active with orienteering

Looking for something free and fun to do with family and friends? Why not try one of Dorset’s orienteering courses?

The aim is to navigate between checkpoints marked on a map which you can borrow or download. Courses can be walked or run, so you’ll be looking after your body and mind whilst enjoying the local area.

Go to wimborne-orienteers.co.uk and click on ‘Permanent Courses’ to find your nearest course.

Economic prosperity

We are driving forward our plan for prosperity and growth, working with and supporting local businesses and partners.

First for technology

Earlier this year, we joined forces with the Ministry of Defence and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to open the first Defence BattleLab in the UK, located at Dorset Innovation Park, near Wool.

The BattleLab is a shared workspace for military personnel, academic institutions and private sector companies to trial cutting-edge technology. Almost £6 million has been invested in the project to create jobs and support one of Dorset’s key economic sectors.

More investment in jobs

In the summer, approval was given for investment of just under £15 million in the Dorset Innovation Park. £3.1 million of the funding is for the immediate delivery of ten new light industrial units on the site.

The long-term £11.5 million investment plan features the construction of a new hub with facilities for onsite workers and meetings and conferences; two new industrial/office buildings; and the purchase of land to expand the size of the innovation park.

Currently, 34 businesses at the park provide almost 800 jobs. The aim is to create 2,000 new jobs there by 2042.

Dorset LEP works with businesses, councils and others to promote economic prosperity. Find out more about Dorset’s projects at dorsetlep.co.uk

Funding to improve electric vehicle charging in rural areas

Dorset has been announced as one of just nine areas in England to receive funding from a new Government scheme which aims to increase the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging.

Through the innovative Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, we have secured £2.7 million of Government and industry funding to increase the number of EV charge points in the council area.

NHS takes over council building

South Walks House, Dorchester is being used by Dorset County Hospital and other NHS partners as an Outpatient Assessment Centre. This is part of a county-wide effort to tackle NHS waiting lists, and there are plans to offer additional clinical services from the building too.

The 20-year lease of our former offices is providing an income to the council of £350,000 a year and bringing more people back to the town centre.

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We will work closely with local communities, landowners and businesses to identify the best locations to install the new charge points.

For more information on EV charging in Dorset, including chargepoint locations, visit dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/electric-vehicle-charge-points

Defence BattleLab

Creating sustainable development and homes

We work with central Government, registered housing providers and other partners to deliver affordable, suitable and decent homes in Dorset.

Shaping a new draft local plan

Earlier this year, Leader of the Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, set out his commitment to develop a new Dorset Council Local Plan that meets the needs and aspirations of Dorset people. This followed over 9,000 responses to the consultation on our draft Dorset Council Local Plan, and conversations with central Government. These continue following the appointment of the new Prime Minister and cabinet, and we will keep you updated as matters progress.

It was clear from your responses to our consultation that the number of new homes in the plan should reflect the needs of Dorset, rather than following Government calculations.

Respondents also showed strong support for more affordable homes, in the right places, at the right quality, while respecting and protecting our natural environment.

You told us tackling climate change should be an important consideration for any new development, as well as ensuring that public transport, roads, health facilities, schools and utilities meet the needs of residents.

National Policy, regulations and local constraints were preventing us from coming up with the best possible local plan to do this.

We are now reshaping the draft plan and extending the timescale, so it is ready for adoption in 2026. In the meantime, we continue to talk to Government about protecting Dorset from unplanned development in the interim.

Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorsetcouncil-local-plan

Do you need planning or building control approval?

Are you considering a conversion, extension, or other alterations to your home? You may need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations (building control) approval.

You may be surprised at just how many things need approval. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning to check whether either are required for your improvements.

For advice about Building Regulations, call 01305 221000 and ask for your local building control team.

Working towards a greener, cleaner Dorset

In 2019, we declared a climate and ecological emergency and set the ambitious target of becoming a fully carbon-neutral council by 2040.

To achieve this target, a key area we have been focusing on is the carbon footprint of our buildings. (A carbon footprint of a building refers to the amount of greenhouse gases produced during its everyday operation, such as providing heating, power and water).

With the help of a £19 million Government grant, we have overseen the installation of energy saving and renewable energy measures at over 200 council-owned sites.

Measures range from improved insulation in offices to state-ofthe-art energy management systems in schools. As a result, we’ve already reduced the carbon footprint of:

leisure centres

libraries

nursing residential homes and hostels

schools

children’s centres

office buildings

country parks

community centres

council depots

These changes will also help protect the council and our partners from rising electricity and gas prices. The savings can then be redirected to help support our essential frontline services.

Powering our country parks

Solar panels installed at the visitor centres, cafes and shops at Avon Heath Country Park and Durlston Castle are expected to generate nearly 45,000 kilo-watt hours of electricity a year (as much as 14 homes would use in a year) and save around £9,000 annually. The surplus electricity will feed into the national grid to be used elsewhere around the country.

Saving energy in our libraries

We have installed energy saving measures, including solar panels to provide electricity and energy management upgrades so our heating systems work efficiently and effectively, at 15 Dorset libraries. Combined, these measures will save more than 275,000 kilo-watt hours of energy a year – which is over a quarter of the energy currently used at the sites. The solar panels alone are expected to save around £30,000 each year in electricity costs.

Projects like this will play a vital role in helping us reach our target of being a net-zero emission council by 2040.

Read more about our progress towards our net-zero goal at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/climateemergency.

For free, impartial advice on saving energy in your own home or for financial support to install basic

energy saving measures, visit healthyhomesdorset.org.uk or call freephone 0300 003 7023.

Christmas and New Year recycling and waste

Usual collection day Revised collection day

Friday 23 December

Monday 26 December Tuesday

Tuesday 27 December Wednesday

Wednesday 28 December Thursday

Thursday 29 December Friday 30 December

Friday 30 December Saturday 31 December Monday 2 January

change

Remember:

1. We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day

2. No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday 9 January

3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am - 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

4. Extra recycling – including glass and food –will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person

5. Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible

Festive recycling

Many households produce extra waste over Christmas, but much of it can be recycled using your kerbside Recycle for Dorset service.

Remember that you can recycle in your kerbside recycling bin:

1. wrapping paper (not foil or glittery paper, please)

2. cardboard boxes and recyclable packaging (not polystyrene)

3. Christmas cards (not glittery) and envelopes. Place cooked and uncooked food in your food waste bin.

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

Your recycling and waste collections over the festive period will be different from your usual day of the week.

Refer to your calendar or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/checkyour-bin-day to check your collection days.

in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers

Christmas trees

Dorset Council does not collect Christmas trees of any kind with rubbish or recycling at the kerbside. You can recycle your real Christmas tree by: -

home composting it

cutting it up and placing it in your garden waste bin

taking it to a household recycling centre

booking a Christmas tree collection with a Dorset-based charity or service (check local availability).

Fostering

FosterWithDorsetCouncil.com