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December 2022 December 2022
DORSET COUNCIL- WEST PURBECK REPORT

Happy XMAS

Laura and I would like to take this
opportunity to wish all our electorate
and their families a happy Christmas.

Local Government
Reorganisation Savings

Some nearly 4 years ago we
embarked upon the exercise to
abolish the 5 District Councils and to create two larger authorities to reduce
duplication and improve efficiency. I have been asked how this is progressing and
I reproduce below a statement I received from the Chief Financial Officer.
During its first 3½ years old Dorset Council has maximised the efficiencies of
becoming a unitary council which has enabled it to re-invest in front line services.
Since it was formed the Council has made savings of £77M.
These savings have been reinvested predominantly in Social Care to meet to the
growing demand for services, in particular from Dorset’s aging population who
increasingly need Adult Social Care support. In addition, our rural nature means
that some of our costs are unavoidably high e.g., travel to school, and the
provision of home care. Despite this, Dorset Council receives very little
government grant funding compared to other Councils across the Country. The
Council is therefore working hard to
persuade government to adjust the
funding formula to make it fairer.
Meanwhile, with the increase in costs and
likely public sector spending cuts, our
budget is more challenging to manage
than ever. While we are faced with these
unprecedented financial pressures, we
need to continue to protect and maintain
our frontline services for residents as much
as possible.

XMAS parking
There will be free parking on selected days
in late November and December at some
car parks in the Dorset Council area. To

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