Dorset Council has published its Annual Report for 2025/26, setting out achievements and ongoing priorities across housing, the local economy, community support and the environment for the year April 2025 to March 2026.
What the report records
The document provides a public account of how council priorities have been translated into delivery. Key figures include the completion of 423 affordable homes and the return of 25 long‑term empty homes to use. The council also reports a 9% reduction in the use of temporary accommodation, which it says has helped more households secure settled housing.
- Housing: 423 affordable homes delivered; 25 empty homes reused; fewer households in temporary accommodation.
- Economy: Support provided to over 700 local businesses through Growth Hub programmes.
- Environment: A household recycling, reuse and composting rate of 59.4%, among the highest in England.
- Services: Children’s services rated highly by Ofsted; adult social care judged well by the Care Quality Commission.
National recognition and service standards
Inspectors have recognised outcomes in core services. The report highlights that Dorset’s Children’s Services received the top grading from Ofsted, while Adult Social Care secured a positive assessment from the Care Quality Commission.
"Outstanding" and "Good"
Alongside these headline ratings, the council points to sustained delivery of everyday services such as waste collection, road maintenance, libraries and planning, even during periods of high demand and challenging weather.
Local impact and next steps
For residents, the figures in the report translate into practical changes: more affordable housing units on the ground, fewer families living in temporary setups, and continued support for businesses seeking growth and jobs. The high recycling rate reflects long‑running local efforts on waste reduction and household engagement.
The council also uses the Annual Report to identify areas that need further work. As with many local authorities, rising demand — especially for housing and social care — remains a pressure on budgets and services. The report acknowledges these ongoing challenges and the need to balance investment in capital projects with day‑to‑day service delivery.
How residents can follow up
The Annual Report is intended as an accessible summary for residents and partners. It offers a basis for public scrutiny and for councillors to set priorities for the year ahead. Residents wanting more detail can consult the full report on the council website, where service‑level performance data and case studies are published alongside the headline figures.
