Audio recording of issue 16 (Spring 2026) Dorset Council News magazine
Listen to an audio summary of the magazine.
Leader’s introduction
Welcome to the spring/summer edition of Dorset Council News. As we begin the new financial year, I want to thank everyone who helps make Dorset such a strong and caring place to live.
This year, Dorset Council is investing £482 million in the services residents rely on most, with around 60% supporting older people, vulnerable residents and children. We’re also committing funding to major road improvements, with no increase to parking charges. Overall, more than 450 services continue to support over 380,000 residents across the county.
Rising costs and demand remain challenging, so council tax will increase by just under 3%, plus just under 2% for adult social care.
In this edition, you’ll read how we’re delivering our priorities - from affordable homes and a strong local economy to community support and climate action.
Cllr Nick Ireland
Adapting to climate change
As January and February’s unprecedented rainfall and flooding have shown, being resilient to the impact of climate change is a must for us all.
We are determined to address how this affects our lives now and in the future.
That’s why we are producing a climate adaptation strategy for Dorset. We’ve already got a great starting point with the Citizens’ Climate Panel. Their recommendations give us a really clear sense of what matters to local people, and they help keep residents’ voices at the centre of the strategy.
Find out more about our climate panel.
Investing millions in Dorset’s roads
We’re driving forward an ambitious programme that will see £140 million invested in improving our roads over the next four years.
On top of that, we are investing an additional £5.25m to tackle flood impacts on our roads and cut the risk of future disruption.
The package includes a £5m capital flood resilience fund to target known hotspots and repair storm-damaged sections, plus £250,000 for a new, dedicated gully cleaning crew.
Most of this funding will come from central government and will cover everything from fixing potholes and resurfacing to major structural upgrades.
Keep up to date with all the latest roadworks and improvements in your area.
Exploring Dorset
Residents shared their favourite Dorset places in this edition’s photo showcase, capturing well loved locations including Badbury Rings, Sturminster Newton Mill, Corfe Castle and Portland Bill. Each image highlights the landscapes, history and scenery that make Dorset special year round.
Celebrating our community champions
This spring we are celebrating volunteers, people who give up their time to make a real difference to our residents’ lives.
Without these community champions, the pressures on all public services would be much greater.
Volunteers across Dorset continue to be the backbone of local life – from digital champions to community responders – these amazing people support neighbours and help keep communities connected.
For more information on volunteering in Dorset.
A simple solution – life changing impact
When 76 year old Michael contacted our new prevention team, living at home was becoming increasingly difficult.
With severe deterioration in both knees and his right hip, even simple tasks were painful. While waiting for surgery, he needed practical help to stay independent.
A perching stool made an immediate difference. “I can prepare meals and wash up without constant breaks. It’s made life so much easier,” he said.
It even enabled him to enjoy playing the violin again.
Our Prevention and Early Intervention team helps people stay independent for longer, offering simple solutions that have a life changing impact.
Dorset secures £2.3 million to expand family hubs
This year will see even more support available for our families in Dorset.
Thanks to government funding, we are growing our network of family hubs, making it easier for parents and carers to access help.
New hubs will open later this year in Blandford, Portland Hospital, and Weymouth town centre. These add to our eight existing hubs in Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Swanage, Wareham, Littlemoor, Sturminster Newton and Wimborne.
By working together with health and community partners, we’re creating hubs that give families the support they need all under one roof.
Our budget explained
Vital investment in care services, roads and local jobs sits at the heart of our plans for Dorset this year.
The budget for 2026 to 2027 is £482 million. Around 60% of this funding will support older and vulnerable residents and children.
We are also investing in major road improvements and safety works, with no plans to increase car parking charges.
This funding enables more than 450 services to be delivered to over 380,000 residents across Dorset.
This year the Dorset Council element of council tax will increase by just under 3%. The adult social care element will increase by just under 2%.
For the average Band D household, this is around £2.02 more per week – just below the maximum increase the government allows councils to make.
More details on the council’s budget.
Could your home be warmer and cheaper to run?
Around half of homes in Dorset have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.
This means they can be more expensive to heat and harder to keep warm, especially in colder months.
To help residents tackle this, we’ve been working with the Energy Saving Trust to bring Homewise to Dorset. Homewise is a free and easy-to-use online tool that gives you personalised advice on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
New nature podcast coming to Dorset
We’ve been working with farmers to launch a new podcast here in Dorset – and it’s all about delivering local food alongside nature recovery.
This new mini-series dives into how farmers, communities and local organisations are working together to restore wildlife and protect our landscapes.
Co-hosted by local farmer Tim Gelfs and nature podcaster Lizzie McLaughlin, the series promises honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities of farming with nature.
To listen just search ‘Second Nature: Down in Dorset’ on your favourite podcast platform.
Housing lifeline for Dorset families
Sometimes life throws curveballs that change everything. For 29 year old Teila and her young daughter, eviction made life terrifying.
With support from Dorset Council, Shelter and BCHA, they found safety and a fresh start after facing eviction and homelessness.
Telia said: “Things hadn’t been good for a while, and I was desperately trying to find somewhere affordable.” The council and partners helped fight her eviction and secured temporary accommodation. Then came the call that changed everything – a new two bedroom property in Sturminster Newton.
Telia added: “It’s peaceful, warm and welcoming. A proper fresh start.”
Dorset Council is working with partners so more housing developments like this are built, helping families like Teila’s.
More information on affordable housing.
Don’t face a housing problem alone
In the last two years our dedicated Housing Advice line has prevented more than 1,500 households from becoming homeless – and we’re here for you.
We also offer support, guidance and specialist advice for anyone concerned about repaying their rent or mortgage on time.
Our Housing Advice helpline, which is open Monday-Friday for nonemergency
calls, is available to anyone who is worried about losing their home and becoming homeless.
Don’t wait until a problem becomes a crisis. Contact us now on 01305 221000.
Historic farmhouse transforms young lives
A 19th century farmhouse is now providing six safe and secure homes for young adults who were at risk of homelessness.
The property in rural Dorset provides 18 to 25 year-olds with 24/7 on-site support from Salvation Army Homes – and is the first scheme of its kind in the county.
It not only provides support but also helps the residents learn new life skills.
The West Farm project was funded by Dorset Council, Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Ketamine - what family and friends need to know
Ketamine use among young people is rising, and understanding the risks is vital.
Originally an anaesthetic, ketamine is now taken recreationally, which can have dangerous consequences.
There is no safe level of use. Ketamine can seriously harm both physical and mental health, and long term use may cause bladder and kidney damage. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Whether you’re 18 or over 80 – it’s never too late to get on your bike
It’s taken 73 years, but one octogenarian is back on her bike thanks to Dorset Council’s adult cycle training scheme.
Cynthia, 80, is proof it’s never too late to start cycling again. Using a Dorset Council voucher for discounted lessons, the Shaftesbury resident has regained the confidence to ride.
She said: “I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was seven, so learning again at 80 was daunting. But I’m so pleased I stepped out of my comfort zone—the training has boosted my confidence, and cycling is such fun.”
Adults over 18 in the Dorset Council area can apply for vouchers.
Don’t miss your NHS Health Check
If you're aged 40 to 74, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. It’s an important way to spot early signs of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.
Many risks, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, have no symptoms, so even if you feel well, the check is vital for protecting your long term health.
If you’ve been invited by your GP, remember to book your NHS Health Check with them.
Helping Dorset to be Age-Friendly
Last year Dorset officially became the 100th community to be awarded Age Friendly status.
And to help us become even more ‘age friendly’ we asked residents to tell us their views in a survey sent to the over 50s.
Two thirds praised Dorset’s well maintained green spaces and nearly 80% said being able to drive was crucial to independence.
Being independent was a huge priority, with 87% saying they wanted to stay in their own homes.
Overall, most people said they felt part of their community and are ageing positively without discrimination.
Your feedback is shaping Dorset’s future
Thank you to everyone who shared their views on Dorset’s Local Plan and Local Transport Plan.
You responded in your thousands, demonstrating strong community interest in shaping Dorset’s future.
We’ve listened carefully and your feedback is helping guide plans for housing, jobs, and transport while balancing environmental and community priorities.
The Local Transport Plan will be published this summer, setting Dorset’s transport strategy for the next 15 years.
A summary of Local Plan consultation responses will be published later this spring, with the final plan due for government examination by the end of this year.
Grants help Dorset businesses rise to the top
A Dorset bakery is proving how funding support can help its dough rise.
Holwell based Honeybuns Bakery is one of many local businesses to benefit from £6.4 million of UK Shared Prosperity Funding. With three grants totalling over £40,000 – matched by the business – Honeybuns has invested in new equipment essential for its continued growth.
Run by husband and wife team Matt and Emma Goss Custard, the bakery produces premium handmade gluten free cakes, flapjacks and brownies, and employs 23 people.
Matt said: “These grants allowed us to make capital investments we couldn’t otherwise afford.”
Dorset Council has helped 164 businesses – from precision engineering firms to rural food producers – benefit from UKSPF funding since 2022.
Unlocking the past to ensure Dorset’s future
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be excited by what’s being uncovered in Weymouth.
Archaeologists are excavating the former Weymouth Bowl site, expecting to find remains of medieval Melcombe Regis as the area is prepared for future development that will bring new homes, jobs and economic growth.
Early evaluations revealed a medieval property and the remains of a 19th century Congregational Chapel, later the Theatre Royal.
These discoveries offer a vivid glimpse into the town’s origins, with more insights expected. Senior archaeologist Steve Wallis said the dig will deepen understanding of Melcombe Regis and may even uncover a few surprises.
Let’s stop the abuse
Imagine going to work each day knowing you might be shouted at, threatened or even assaulted.
For our highways crews, this is a daily reality. They work in all conditions to repair and improve our roads, yet some people take their frustration out on them.
Ben, a construction supervisor, said: “We’ve started to normalise abuse, and it needs to stop. We just want to do our job safely.”
Abuse affects workers’ wellbeing and delays projects. With £140 million committed to improving highways, we ask everyone to let crews work safely. We operate zero tolerance, and all incidents are reported to police.
EV-olution - Dorset’s journey to a greener future
A new multi-million pound project will see thousands of on-street electric vehicle chargepoints installed across Dorset.
We have joined forces with BCP Council to install more than 3,000 on-street chargepoints over the next five years.
The £16.5 million scheme, funded by the government and private sector, will give current and future electric vehicle drivers more choice.
Lower cost on-street charging will also help residents save time and money, while preparing Dorset for the government’s 2030 phase‑out of new petrol and diesel car sales.
Find out more about electric vehicle charging.
New booking system at four household recycling centres
A new quick, free and easy booking system is being launched from 23 March at our household recycling centres in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.
It’s designed to protect services and make costs fairer by ensuring visitors from outside Dorset pay for their waste disposal, while local residents continue to use our sites at no extra charge.
You’ll be able to book online or by phone, with same day slots available and multiple visits allowed.
Other Dorset Council centres will continue to operate without booking for residents.