Introduction by Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader, Dorset Council
As winter approaches, Dorset residents will be thinking about the season ahead, from managing higher energy bills to preparing their homes for colder weather. One of Dorset Council’s main responsibilities is helping communities prepare, and this edition offers advice and examples of work across Dorset.
Our cover story follows two members of our gully cleaning team. Gullies are roadside drains that carry rainwater away and keeping Dorset’s thousands of gullies clear helps reduce flood risk and keep roads open. It is demanding work, often carried out early and in difficult conditions, and I want to recognise the staff who provide this vital service throughout the year.
Clearing gullies is part of our wider work to help Dorset adapt, grow, and thrive. We are already seeing the effects of a changing climate through heavier rainfall, hotter summers, and extreme weather. Dorset must be ready. That means investing in resilient infrastructure, protecting our natural environment, and taking practical steps to reduce emissions, while keeping communities safe and well connected.
There is no single solution. We are improving drainage, maintaining roads, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and helping residents make their homes warmer and cheaper to run.
Our responsibility to Dorset’s environment also extends to the long-term decisions we make about waste.
I know many residents remain concerned about the proposed Portland incinerator. Our position has not changed: Dorset does not want or need it, and we have no plans to send Dorset’s waste there.
I hope this edition gives you useful information and practical support for the months ahead, as well as a clearer picture of the work taking place across Dorset.
Age-Friendly Dorset programme helps older residents stay connected
The Age-Friendly Dorset programme is helping older residents stay healthy, connected and independent in their communities.
After hearing from residents through a survey across Dorset, we are developing our first Age-Friendly Dorset action plan.
The programme is working with town and parish councils to help older residents access support and take part in community life closer to home. We are also growing our ambassador programme and planning our first ambassador event in October 2026. Ambassadors speak up for older residents and help make local communities more age friendly.
Find our more information and apply to be an ambassador.
A bright future for Dorset’s history
Dorset History Centre (DHC) has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Past Lives, Future Proofed project. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will help protect Dorset’s archives for at least the next 30 years and will:
- provide more storage for physical archives
- keep the archives safe in secure, energy-efficient storage with controlled temperature and humidity.
The project will also improve public areas at Dorset History Centre.
Find out more on the Dorset History Centre website.
Update on new rules for dogs in public spaces
During the summer, we asked residents, visitors, dog owners and people who do not own dogs for their views on the rules for dogs on beaches, sports fields and other public spaces. We received over 5,000 responses.
The current rules for dogs in public spaces end this year. New rules will take their place.
An overview committee has considered the consultation responses, previous experience and relevant legislation. Cabinet will make the final decision in November.
You can read the full report on the Dorset Council website.
Local Plan update: more opportunities to have your say
We are changing how we prepare Dorset’s Local Plan because the government has changed planning rules, housing targets and timescales. The local plan helps decide where future homes, jobs and infrastructure should go across Dorset.
Importantly, this does not mean starting again. We will continue to use the existing evidence, studies and more than 9,000 consultation responses.
Residents, businesses and community groups will have more opportunities to comment. We expect the next public consultation in spring 2027.
Need help with your water bills?
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, your water company may be able to reduce your payments through a social tariff.
Wessex Water supplies most of Dorset. Its Assist tariff may reduce your bill if you are struggling financially or would have to go without essentials to pay your water charges.
You do not need to receive benefits to qualify for the Assist tariff. Wessex Water will consider your household income and housing costs.
If Assist is not suitable, Wessex Water offers other support.
Apply online through Wessex Water’s Assist scheme page. Wessex Water will normally respond within five working days.
Find out more about help with your water bills:
Protecting Dorset residents from scams, rogue traders and illegal tobacco
We continue to protect residents through Trading Standards work that tackles rogue traders, fraudsters and illegal tobacco sales.
Recent cases include a mobile mechanic who was jailed after operating across 10 counties and a landscape gardener who was imprisoned for fraudulent trading across Dorset and neighbouring areas. These cases show how Trading Standards acts against criminals who target residents and businesses.
Trading Standards has also stepped up efforts to tackle illegal tobacco. A Weymouth shop was ordered to close following repeated illicit tobacco sales, while test purchase operations help ensure retailers do not sell age-restricted products to underage customers. This work helps protect young people and supports honest local businesses.
Report scams, rogue traders or unfair trading to the Citizens Advice consumer service. Citizens Advice will pass relevant information to Trading Standards.
Find out more about Friends Against Scams
Find out if your business could benefit from being Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved.
Looking after someone? Support for carers in Dorset
Do you look after someone who could not manage without your help? If you regularly help a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without you, support is available.
Carers have told us that caring can affect their wellbeing, finances, work and everyday life, but there is help available. The Dorset Carer Service, from Help & Care in association with MYTIME Young Carers, provides free support for adult and young carers. Carers can get advice, meet other carers, be connected to services and ask about Carer’s Assessments.
Carers can also access support through Bridgit, Dorset’s online one-stop shop for carers. Bridgit helps carers find local support, events and services.
The Dorset Carer Service can explain your rights and help you find suitable support.
Find out more about support available for carers in Dorset.
Shared Lives: opening your home, changing lives
Shared Lives carers are paid to support people in the carers’ own homes. It enables people with care and support needs to live “gloriously ordinary lives” at the heart of their communities. Shared Lives can offer another option for people who might otherwise receive care at home, in supported living or in residential care.
Dave and Wendy have been carers with the Dorset Shared Lives Scheme for more than 20 years.
Find out more about Shared Lives.
The UK’s telephone network is changing
By early 2027, most phone companies will move landline customers from the old analogue network to a digital service. Some equipment connected to a landline, including personal alarms and other telecare devices, may need updating.
Your phone company should contact you before making any changes. If you use a telecare device connected to a landline and have not heard from your provider, contact your phone company or telecare provider for advice.
Most telecare equipment provided by Dorset Council is already compatible with the new system. We are also working with Openreach to identify devices that still need upgrading.
A morning with the gully cleaning crew
Before most of us have even had our first cup of coffee, Dorset Council’s gully cleaning crews are already out on the road helping to keep Dorset’s drainage system flowing.
A gully is a roadside drain that collects rainwater and carries it away to help prevent flooding on roads and pavements. Crews clean gullies by removing the soil, grit, leaves and other material that builds up over time.
With 90,000 gullies across the county, it’s no small task. We joined Matt and Jack on a gully wagon to find out more about work that many people rarely think about, but which plays a vital role in keeping Dorset moving during wet weather.
From residential streets, where crews may clean more than 100 gullies a day, to remote rural lanes where drains can be buried under soil and vegetation, no two days are the same.
It’s challenging work. Crews work alongside live traffic, lift heavy iron covers and even encounter wasp nests, rats and huge spiders. Matt told us he once discovered a gully full of frogs.
Despite the challenges, both Matt and Jack enjoy the role. They say the most rewarding moments come when a flooding problem is resolved and water starts flowing freely again.
Every cleared gully helps reduce flood risk.
Charging ahead for an electric future
The rollout of new on-street residential electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints has now begun, making it easier for residents without driveways to charge their vehicles closer to home.
This government and private sector funded programme is helping future-proof Dorset as more people switch to EVs in the years ahead.
EV chargepoints will be installed across Dorset over the next three years.
Residents who live on streets where EV chargepoints are planned will be contacted directly before installation takes place.
Find out more about the scheme.
Report highway issues quickly and easily
Seen a pothole, damaged road sign, blocked drain or uneven pavement? Report it online 24/7 using our quick and easy reporting service. Online reports help us identify and fix issues faster while saving time and money, allowing more investment in maintaining and improving Dorset’s roads and pavements. For immediate dangers that could cause injury or damage, call 01305 221020.
Not all roads lead to resurfacing
Did you know that we look after around 2,360 miles of road across Dorset?
To help us spot problems and decide how best to repair them, we combine technology with the expertise of our highways engineers.
Each year, specialist company Gaist surveys Dorset’s roads using camera-equipped vehicles that collect 360° high-definition carriageway imagery across 35 defect types. These annual road health checks give us a detailed picture of the condition of the network.
When a road needs a closer look, our highways engineers carry out further investigations. This can include taking samples from the road surface and testing the strength of the ground below. These checks help us identify hidden issues and choose the treatment that will deliver the best long-term results. Depending on the condition of the road, this could include:
- Preservation and rejuvenation treatments - Lower-carbon preventative treatments that help extend the life of roads by protecting our investment in resurfacing
- Surface dressing - A lower-carbon thin surface treatment that seals the road surface to the elements and adds texture
- Pothole repairs - Targeted repairs when damage is limited to specific areas.
Help us keep Dorset moving this winter
From November to April, our highways crews are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our gritters treat priority routes, including major roads, bus routes and key links to hospitals. While our busiest period is usually December and January, winter weather does not always stick to the calendar. Severe winter weather can arrive outside the coldest months, as Dorset experienced in February and March 2018 and November 2024.
You’ll often see our gritters out when road surface temperatures are forecast to fall below 0.5°C. Please give them plenty of space.
Before you travel, check the forecast, allow extra time for your journey and make sure your tyres, lights and wipers are in good condition and your screen wash is topped up.
Remember, salt (grit) needs traffic to help it work. As vehicles drive over it, the salt is crushed and spread across the road surface, helping to prevent ice from forming.
Winter is not just about snow and ice.
Keep up to date by regularly checking our website.
Young wildlife champion inspires nature recovery
Nature recovery is not just about large-scale projects. It is also happening in communities across Dorset through the passion and dedication of local people.
Twelve-year-old Sebastian, who lives in the Marshwood Vale, is already playing his part.
Living on a farm, he spends much of his free time exploring the natural world and sharing his discoveries through his own wildlife YouTube channel.
Sebastian also leads regular Moth Club sessions and has created a display of some of the species he has found, helping others get involved.
Sebastian is one of many people helping nature thrive across Dorset.
Are you helping nature in Dorset? Or do you want to see what others are doing? Join the Nature Recovery Dorset Network.
Enjoying Dorset’s great outdoors
Dorset has more than 2,800 miles of public footpaths, bridleways and byways. The routes help people explore the countryside and coast on foot, by bike or on horseback. The network connects communities, supports healthy lifestyles and provides access to Dorset’s countryside and coast.
Earlier this year, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and local communities shared their views on how the network could be improved. Their feedback will help shape future plans to make routes easier to use, better connected and more accessible.
Whether you’re planning a local walk or a countryside adventure, DorsetExplorer can help.
Explore routes and plan your next outing.
Privately renting? Know your rights
Not sure what to do if something goes wrong in your rented home? Help is available.
The new Renters’ Rights Act gives private renters more protection and support.
If you have a problem such as:
- repairs not being carried out
- unsafe living conditions
- concerns about your tenancy.
Contact your landlord or letting agent first. Keep copies of any messages and take photos of the problem.
If things do not improve, or you’re not sure what to do next, we can help.
Find out more about your rights and what to do if you have a problem.
New housing policy now in place
New rules for joining Dorset’s housing register and allocating social housing came into effect on 1 September 2026. The changes will make sure available homes go fairly to people with the greatest housing need.
The policy was developed following a 12-week public consultation and approved by Dorset Council in April 2026.
People already on the housing register were contacted and asked to renew their application ahead of the changes. We explained the changes, including local connection requirements, savings limits and a new way of assessing overcrowding.
You can find out more about the Housing Allocation Policy.
Support to keep your home warm and save money
As the weather starts to cool, many of us begin thinking about how to keep our homes warm without worrying about rising energy bills. That’s where Healthy Homes Dorset can help.
The service offers free, impartial energy advice to all Dorset residents. Some households may also qualify for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or heating improvements.
All Dorset residents can get free energy advice. Older people, households on a low income and people with a health condition may qualify for extra support.
To find out more, contact Healthy Homes Dorset on 0300 003 7023 or use the Homewise tool.
Supporting Dorset children and young people with SEND
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the right support at the right time. This helps them build confidence, become more independent and achieve their potential.
During Enterprise Week at The Compass, students spent five days gaining workplace experience and building practical skills.
Students helped at Portland FC, learned about hospitality at The Palm House Play Café, ran a car wash and sold products they had made themselves.
Young people who were nervous at first were soon talking to customers, handling money, asking employers questions and taking pride in what they could achieve. One student impressed visitors so much that they later returned to make a donation.
For many children and young people with SEND, trying something new can feel daunting.
Find out more about support for children and young people with SEND in Dorset.
Volunteering in Dorset libraries
Could you spare a few hours and make a real difference in your community? Dorset’s libraries offer a range of volunteering opportunities for people who want to give something back, learn new skills, gain experience or meet new people.
Across the county, volunteers play an important role in supporting library services. Volunteers help libraries offer more activities and longer opening hours. For example, volunteers can assist with Rhyme Time and Code Club sessions, as well as contributing to the Home Library Service delivered in partnership with Royal Voluntary Service.
Community Managed Libraries are also a valuable part of Dorset’s library network.
Find out more about volunteering with Dorset libraries.
Helping Dorset stay well this winter
As winter approaches, we are encouraging residents, families and communities to take simple steps to stay healthy and support those who may need extra help.
Winter often brings an increase in illnesses such as flu, coughs and colds, which can spread quickly in homes, schools and workplaces. Regular handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of infection.
Seasonal vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, can top up your protection and help protect you and your family from serious illness.
Check whether you or your child is eligible for a winter vaccination through the NHS.
It can be difficult to decide whether a child is well enough to attend school, nursery or playgroup.
The value of shopping locally at Christmas
The best way we can all support Dorset’s small businesses and high streets is by doing our gift and food shopping locally this Christmas. From thoughtful presents to tasty festive treats, you’ll discover unique finds and a friendly welcome.
Taking time to browse local stores, chatting with owners and choosing something special makes Christmas shopping a more personal and enjoyable experience than simply clicking “add to basket”.
Shopping locally supports Dorset jobs, strengthens the local economy and keeps our town centres and high streets vibrant.
Some Dorset Council car parks will offer free parking on selected days in December.
Find more information about parking.
Need help finding or staying in work?
Connect to Work gives people across Dorset one-to-one help to find a suitable job or stay in their current job. The voluntary programme helps people build confidence, overcome barriers and gain suitable employment.
The programme is open to people facing challenges, including disabilities, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities and other circumstances that may make work harder to access or maintain. Support is tailored to individual needs and goals.
An employment specialist will help each person develop skills and take practical steps towards work. It also supports people worried about losing their job because of health conditions or other barriers.
Katy said: “Connect to Work has been fantastic. After being off work for some time due to poor health, my Employment Specialist empowered me to rediscover my strengths and helped rebuild my confidence.
Find out more about Connect to Work.
Christmas and New Year recycling and waste
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:
- cooked and uncooked food, using your food waste bin.
- wrapping paper, provided it is not foil-based or glittery.
- cardboard boxes and recyclable packaging, not polystyrene.
- Christmas cards and envelopes.
See what items can be recycled at the kerbside.
Your recycling and waste collections from Christmas until mid-January will be different from your usual day of the week. Check your collection days.
Remember:
- We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.
- No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Day until Friday 8 January. Please check your garden waste calendar.
- Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Dorchester, Wimborne, Sherborne and Shaftesbury require booking.
- 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, rather than bags, that can be easily lifted by one person.
Christmas trees
We do 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.