Cllr Matt Bell

12/08/2026

31/07/2026

"Council makes change to public toilets charge plan" - Dorset Echo

You may already have seen the recent article about the notice of motion I submitted to Weymouth Town Council. I'm especially grateful to Cllr David Civil, who seconded the motion with great conviction and support. The notice of motion was carried by 14 votes to 7.

I would like to thank all councillors for the thorough and considered debate that took place before the vote. I am particularly grateful to those councillors who chose to support the motion, including colleagues from the South Dorset Liberal Democrats group and members from other political groups on the Council. Their support for the motion and the change in position that resulted from it is something I greatly appreciate.

It's encouraging to see this important issue receiving further attention, and I believe the change in position will ultimately benefit both the Council and the community we serve.

If you would like to read the notice of motion in full, it is available on the Town Council website. For your convenience, I have also included images of it below.

29/07/2026

SUMMER SAVINGS

Summer can put extra pressure on family budgets, particularly during the school holidays when the cost of travel, activities and meals out quickly adds up.

Free bus travel for children and lower prices at participating attractions, venues and restaurants could help more families enjoy days out, spend time together and make the most of everything Dorset has to offer this summer.

Many of our beaches, towns, museums and visitor attractions can be reached by bus, giving families an affordable way to explore more of the county while supporting local businesses and destinations.

Whether it's visiting friends and family, spending a day at the beach, exploring one of our museums or enjoying a local attraction, making these opportunities more affordable can have a real impact on wellbeing and help people stay connected to their communities.

Find out more by visiting the link in the first comment.

Looking for affordable family days out this summer?

Families across Dorset can benefit from free bus travel for up to three children when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, plus discounted entry at a range of attractions throughout August.

Whether you're heading to the coast, exploring the countryside or planning a family adventure closer to home, these offers could help you save money while making the most of summer.

Find out what's available and how to take advantage of the offers in our latest news story, link below 👇

24/07/2026

We know that the people and organisations who live and work in our communities understand local needs, strengths and opportunities better than anyone.

Community Conversations are about listening to those voices and creating genuine opportunities for local people and organisations to influence the future of their area.

These sessions are not about Dorset Council talking at communities.

They are about bringing partners together around the same table, listening to different perspectives, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions.

We want the conversations to be as open, honest and inclusive as possible.

The community groups taking part work alongside local people every day and understand their communities well.

Their knowledge and experience will help us better understand what matters most locally and how we can work differently to support strong, thriving communities across Dorset.

It's putting decision-making in the hands of the community

23/07/2026

A BUSY DAY OF LISTENING AND STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS!

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with two fantastic organisations that Dorset Council is proud to work alongside, to discuss how we can build on our existing partnerships and deliver even more for our communities.

I started the day with Volunteer Centre Dorset, where we discussed future plans and how we can work together to encourage more people, community groups and businesses to get involved in volunteering. Volunteers make an enormous difference across Dorset, and growing those opportunities benefits everyone.

Later, I visited RiversMeet Active in Gillingham, where I toured their excellent leisure facilities, which serve communities across North Dorset. It was great to hear more about the outstanding work they do to improve health and wellbeing and increase participation in sport and physical activity, and to discuss how our ongoing partnership can continue to support these ambitions.

A productive day with two valued partners. Now it's time to follow up with a flurry of emails to turn today's conversations into positive action and strengthen the support we provide together for our communities.

22/07/2026

Local communities know their areas best. That's why we're bringing together community groups, councils and local partners from across Dorset to help shape future decisions, services and support.

Read about the first Community Conversation and what it could mean for communities across Dorset in the first comment.

21/07/2026

From affordable homes and support for local businesses, to helping older residents stay independent and maintaining roads, we're continuing to deliver for Dorset communities.

Our latest Annual Report highlights some of the achievements from the past year and the difference they are making for residents across the county.

Find out more about the work behind the numbers via the link in the comments.

21/07/2026

Do you use Dorset's footpaths, bridleways or byways? Or are there barriers that stop you using them?

We're asking residents to help shape the future of Dorset's public rights of way network for the next 10 years.

Your feedback will help us understand what works well and where improvements could make routes more accessible, better connected and easier to use.

Whether you walk, cycle, ride, commute or simply enjoy getting outdoors, we'd like to hear from you.

Take the survey by 12 October. Link in comments

20/07/2026

Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility.

Since becoming a Cabinet Member, one of the things I’ve appreciated most is the strength of partnership working across Dorset.

Earlier today, at the Dorset Council People and Health Scrutiny Committee, I introduced a paper on the work of Dorset’s Community Safety Partnership, highlighting progress and outcomes from the partnership’s work.

🎥 In this short video, I introduce the paper and explain the important role that collaboration between councils, emergency services, community organisations and other partners plays in preventing harm and supporting safer communities.

No single organisation can tackle community safety challenges alone. By working together, sharing knowledge and coordinating our efforts, we can better understand local issues, respond effectively and support the people and communities who need it most.

Partnerships are at the heart of effective prevention, and I’m grateful to everyone across Dorset who contributes to this important work.

20/07/2026

Is our council just about potholes and bins? 🤔

It's a question I hear quite often.

From the outside, it's an easy assumption to make. Roads and waste collections are essential services, but they are only part of what Dorset Council does to support residents and communities.

Since becoming Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities, I've been struck by the range of work taking place every day—from prevention and early intervention to working with communities to support people when they need it most.

Earlier today, I attended the People and Health Scrutiny Committee to introduce a report on Dorset Council's Cost of Living Programme in 2025/26.

🎥 In this two-minute video, I introduce the report and highlight how the programme is one example of the wider work Dorset Council does to support residents beyond the services people see every day.

So yes—potholes and bins matter, and residents rightly expect us to get those basics right. But there is much more happening every day to support communities across Dorset.

What council services do you think people are most surprised to learn about?