DAPTC is inviting all Parish and Town Councils within the Dorset Council area to review the draft Statement of Reasonable Expectations (SoRE) and consider it formally at an upcoming council meeting.
The draft document, together with supporting background information and a short explanatory video, is now available for members to read and discuss in their meetings.
Draft Document: Statement of Reasonable Expectations
We have already received valuable feedback from both member councils and Dorset Council, which has shaped the current version of the Statement. We are now asking every member council to consider whether they support the Statement as drafted, so that DAPTC has a clear mandate on the next steps.
It is important to emphasise that the SoRE is not about promoting widespread transfer of assets or services. Instead, it seeks to establish a clearer, more collaborative and partnership‑driven working relationship—recognising the roles, strengths and responsibilities of each tier of local government and supporting better outcomes for Dorset’s communities.
The SoRE aims to:
- Build mutual respect and understanding between Dorset Council and local councils
- Improve communication, engagement, and responsiveness
- Support capacity‑building, training, and shared learning
- Encourage earlier involvement in local priorities and projects
- Promote joint problem‑solving and shared responsibility for local outcomes
To ensure transparency and collective decision‑making, DAPTC will take the SoRE to its AGM in March 2026, where member councils will be invited to vote either to dismiss the idea, or to authorise DAPTC to sign the Statement on behalf of parish meetings, parish councils and town councils across the Dorset Council area.
By the time we reach the AGM, we expect to know whether Dorset Council itself has adopted the SoRE, meaning member councils will be able to make their decision in full view of Dorset Council’s position.
We strongly encourage all councils to review the draft Statement, watch the supporting video, and schedule discussion at an upcoming meeting. Your council’s view—supportive, questioning, or otherwise—will be essential in informing the decision placed before members at the AGM.
If your council has questions or would like to provide further comments before then, please contact the DAPTC office.
