Ask Dorset

On 02 June 2014, Dorset County Council is kicking off a series of road shows all around the county inviting the public to come and tell them what they think is most important in the wide range of services they pay for through their Council Tax.

The council doesn’t want to stand still, and is ready to change as a result of listening to local people.

It’s even more important that they listen now, as like all public services Dorset County Council’s budget has been squeezed as part of the national austerity measures. So far the council has worked hard to find these savings and has reduced its overall annual budget by £60 million, whilst having minimal impact on front line services, and needs to save a further £43 million over the next few years.

The county council will though still be spending £250 million a year, so this is a real opportunity to make sure that the money is spent wisely, and to have the greatest positive impact on the things you think are most important, whether that is the state of our roads, running our outdoor education service and libraries, or providing social care services for older people.

We need your help. We need to know what you value the most, what is most
important to you and your family and friends.

You can get involved in lots of different ways:
In person at one of our road shows. Come at meet us, at our road shows you will have the opportunity to talk to your local councillor, a member of our cabinet, our most senior officers or even possibly the chief executive.

You can also get involved online at www.dorsetforyou.com/have-your-say You will also find more information in our newspaper Your Dorset which you will receive in June. Whichever way suits you, we really want to hear from you.

The coming week of roadshows include:

Portland on Tuesday 10 June Easton Square 9.30am-12.30pm
Bridport on Wednesday 11 June Bucky Doo Square at 9.30am-12.30pm
Ferndown on Thursday 12 June Penny’s Walk at 9.30am-12.30pm
Blandford on Friday 13 June outside Morrisons 4.30pm to 7pm.
Wareham on Saturday 14 June junction of North and West Street at 9.30am-12 noon
Corfe Mullen Carnival on Saturday 14 June 2pm to 4pm

The full list of all roadshows include: