Businesses are being urged to have their say about a proposed shake-up of local councils at consultation events being held by Dorset Chamber Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
DCCI is holding two free sessions in Poole and Weymouth on behalf of the county’s local authorities to provide a business perspective about the proposals.
The county’s nine local authorities will be reorganised into two ‘super councils’ from 2019 onwards if plans go ahead.
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset with about 800 members representing more than 37,000 employees, is encouraging firms to give their views.
Both consultation events are from 8.30am to 10.30am, free to attend and are open to both members and non-members of DCCI at director and business owner level.
The session in Poole is at the Sandbanks Hotel on Tuesday October 18 and is followed by one at Weymouth College on Thursday October 20.
Councils
Chief executives of councils will be at the meetings, which will include presentations about the proposed models and the opportunity for comments and questions.
Ian Girling, chief executive of DCCI, said: “It is important businesses understand the implications of the proposed models and the impact this will have on issues such as business rates, housing, planning, infrastructure and economic development.
“These events are a chance for businesses across the county to find out more and give input from a business perspective about the most significant local government changes for a generation.”
Tony Williams, chief executive of Bournemouth Borough Council, on behalf of Dorset chief executives, said: “These proposals offer a great opportunity for a significant reform of the structure of the nine individual local authorities in Dorset.
“The economy is at the heart of this and it is essential businesses are aware of and have the opportunity to inform the debate and put their views forward.”
Business owners and director can attend either or both events – called Reshaping Your Councils, Consultation on Unitary Proposals for Dorset – regardless of where their business is based in the county.
The nine councils are Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole, Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset County Council, East Dorset District Council, North Dorset District Council, Purbeck District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.
Visit the DCCI website to register. Any business which cannot attend is able to have their say online.
Contact account director James Tourgout on 07827 806400 and james.tourgout@deepsouthmedia.co.uk for more details.
