Page 20 - Bere Regis November 2023

November 2023 November 2023
NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER

People sometimes ask where their taxes are spent,
and what benefit they see. Central Government has
awarded Dorset and BCP Councils in the last 12
months:
 £9.5 million to end rough sleeping by 2025.
 £3.7 million for repairing potholes over the next
few years.
 £2 million in Rural England Prosperity Funding to
support local businesses and create jobs to
grow the rural economy.
 £7.4 million to combat drug and alcohol misuse.
 £1 million to restore and protect local peatlands.
 £670,000 to help older people and those with disabilities to live safely and
independently in their own homes.
 £475,000 towards mental health provision.
 £120,000 to improve air quality.
 Over £1.5 million this year for buses
 More funding for schools - both for increasing teachers’ pay, and for
building improvements. SALT AND PEPPER - THURSDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
That’s just a snapshot of how some of your
money is being invested in our area – on top of On 19 October nearly 50 people enjoyed a delicious home-made lunch of
th
the household support for these difficult and
unprecedented times. Roast Pork followed by Sticky Toffee pudding and cheese and biscuits.
th
Altogether, Government support subsidised On the menu for 16 November is Pumpkin Soup, Cottage Pie and Trifle for pud.
around half of typical households' energy bills last December’s lunch will be a full Christmas meal. We will be enjoying Roast Turkey
winter, and over 13,000 households in Mid Dorset with cranberry sauce, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes (and you won’t be
and North Poole were eligible for the means- excused sprouts)! The main course will be followed by Christmas pud and mince
tested Cost of Living Payments. If you are eligible pies, and all accompanied by a glass of wine.
there are more Cost-of-Living payments to come
– £300 in the autumn and £299 in the spring. Vegetarian and gluten free options are always
available if we have prior notice.
I recently sent out hundreds of surveys about the
cost of living, and the support that is available. Thank you to those of you who If you are already a regular don’t forget to let
have completed one of my surveys - many people confirmed that they didn’t Brenda House know whether you are coming or
know about the Government’s Cost of Living website not. (This helps us to plan and avoid waste)
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/ If you’ve not joined us before, please contact
Brenda on 01929471255.
where you can find lots of information about the help that is available. Please do
take a look. There is also a dedicated section of my website with lots of Our lunches cost just £6.
Ian Ventham
20 61