Dorset Council votes for tax hike on second homes

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14 February 2024

Dorset Councillors have agreed to impose a council tax premium on second homes in the county.

The introduction of the 100% council tax premium on second homes will come into effect on 1 April 2025, making a total council tax charge of 200% (effectively doubly the council tax bill). This charge applies from the moment a property is classified as a second home, with no grace period required.
For those properties classified as ‘Long-Term Empty and Unoccupied’ a 100% premium will, from 1 April 2024, be applied after one year rather than the existing 2 years.

The issue of second homes was first covered by The BV in Fe b 23 – latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown there are more than 2,000 second homes in Dorset – Dorset ranks third highest in the country, with a total of 2,490 holiday homes. It has been a growing issue in the county, with residents stating they are being priced out of buying homes in their area by Airbnbs and out-of-area buyers.

Dorset’s cottages are a popular target for second home owners

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation says: ‘The proposal to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties has been discussed in Dorset for several years.

‘Now that the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been passed and received Royal Assent, we will implement the changes and additional premiums in 2024 and 2025. Council agreed to use 40% of the additional monies raised to support the delivery of affordable housing.

‘These new powers will provide much needed additional funds to help the council continue our track record of protecting vital frontline services on which Dorset residents rely.’

Potential benefits of additional tax on second homes:

Housing Affordability: Higher taxes on second homes can discourage the purchase of properties as investments or holiday homes, potentially reducing housing prices and making homes more affordable for local residents.
Revenue Generation: The additional tax revenue can be used by local authorities to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and community development initiatives, improving overall quality of life in the area.
Community Stability: By discouraging short-term and seasonal occupancy, such policies can lead to a more stable year-round population, which can strengthen community ties and local economies.
Reduced Pressure on Local Resources: Second homes often remain empty for large parts of the year, yet they still require infrastructure and services such as roads, waste collection, and emergency services. Higher taxes could help offset these costs.
Support for Local Businesses: A more stable and permanent population can provide consistent support to local businesses as opposed to the fluctuating demand driven by seasonal tourists.

Opposition voices suggest the higher costs for second home owners might discourage investment in holiday properties, potentially impacting the local tourism industry and businesses reliant on tourist spending.

More than just gouda times

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14 February 2024

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Did you know how the Sturminster Cheese Fest spreads generosity as much as it does the smell of Stinking Bishop?

The famous cheese festival at Sturminster Newton isn’t just about dairy produce – though cheese is of course reason enough for a festival in itself.
It is equally about the community and about charity.
Since the event was started by a group of townspeople in 1999, it has helped many charities and local groups to raise much-needed funds. The event has grown enormously since that first festival, but 25 years later it still remains on the recreation ground. Visitors have said that part of its charm is the size – it is easy to get around and see everything. Some visitors return year on year. Some even plan their holidays around it!

A team effort
The festival is still entirely organised by voluntary committee members, the majority coming from Sturminster Newton’s community groups and local organisations. They are assisted by the many volunteers who help with the setting up and breaking down, the fetching and carrying, those who man the gates and the thousand other things that go into making the event happen.
As a thank you, last year the Cheese Festival donated the grand sum of £15,200 to the groups which had helped the festival over the weekend.
As with most community organisations, the festival always needs more volunteers. Do you belong to a group or club which would be able to help over the weekend? If yes, the organisers would love to hear from you! Please email your details to: [email protected]

The fest that gives back
Each year a small number of charities are invited to attend the event, at no cost to themselves. In 2023 these groups raised an estimated £8,000, helping them to help others in turn. These include SERO (raising money for Julia’s House), Sturminster Newton Men’s Shed, Rabbit Rescue and Shelter Box. Of the funds raised by the event itself, 100 per cent of any profit generated is donated by the Cheese Festival committee to help change lives within local communities.
Since 2012, more than £400,000 has been given to local charities and organisations, the vast majority of which are local to Sturminster Newton. In addition, the festival committee will also consider any ‘special circumstance’ application that is received during the year.
The 2024 Sturminster Cheese Festival will be held on the weekend of 14th-15th September. Save the date and look out for the Early Bird Tickets, on sale from June onwards.

cheesefestival.co.uk

A Step-by-Step Approach To Settling A Loved One’s Estate After They Have Passed

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14 February 2024

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Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, filled with grief and numerous responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. Settling an estate is a complex task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help make the process less daunting. Here’s a compassionate guide to navigating this challenging time.

Step 1: Secure Important Documents

First, locate all essential documents, such as the will, life insurance policies, and bank statements. These documents will guide you through the next steps and are necessary for legal processes. They might be in a safe deposit box, a home safe, or with a solicitor.

If you can’t find a will, the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

Step 2: Register the Death

You need to register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You’ll receive the death certificate, which is required for most of the upcoming steps, such as closing accounts, claiming life insurance, and dealing with the estate.

Step 3: Arrange the Funeral

Use the will for reference, as it may include specific wishes for the funeral arrangements. If there are no instructions, it’s up to the family to decide. Remember, the cost can often be covered from the estate, but this will need to be arranged with the bank or funeral director.

Step 4: Apply for Probate

Probate gives you the legal right to deal with the estate. If there’s a will, the executor named will need to apply for a ‘Grant of Probate’.

If there’s no will, the next of kin applies for ‘Letters of Administration’. You may not need probate for small estates, but it’s required to access or sell the deceased’s assets like property or large bank accounts.

Step 5: Value the Estate

Before you can distribute the estate, you need to know its value. This includes property, savings, investments, and possessions. You’ll also need to account for any debts, such as loans or utility bills. This process can take time, especially if the estate is complex.

Top Tip: In the midst of settling a loved one’s estate, you may find yourself needing to clear out their home while still deciding what to do with their belongings. This is where utilising a self-storage unit from a trusted provider like Safestore can be incredibly helpful, ensuring a secure and flexible solution during this transitional period.

Step 6: Pay Inheritance Tax

If the estate is above the tax-free threshold, you’ll need to pay Inheritance Tax. This needs to be paid before probate is granted. However, you can pay it in instalments if the majority of the estate is tied up in property.

Step 7: Collect Assets and Pay Debts

Once probate is granted, you can start collecting assets and paying off any debts and taxes. This might involve selling property or assets to cover debts. It’s important to ensure all debts are settled before distributing the remaining estate to avoid personal liability.

Step 8: Distribute the Estate

After all debts and taxes are paid, you can distribute the remaining estate according to the will or the rules of intestacy. This can involve transferring money, property, or possessions to the beneficiaries. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of all transactions.

Step 9: Finalise Affairs

Finally, close any remaining accounts and notify all relevant organisations of the death using the Tell-Us-Once service. Once everything is settled, prepare final accounts for the estate showing all income, expenses, debts, and distributions, and share these with the beneficiaries.

Handling the estate of a loved one requires patience, diligence, and care. It can be a lengthy and emotional process, but it’s an important step in honouring their memory and wishes. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re unsure about any steps or legal requirements.

Remember, it’s okay to lean on friends, family, or professionals for support during this challenging time.

The crucial livestock export ban

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13 February 2024

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Local funding reforms gain momentum, and Chris Loder MP reflects on his personal commitment to animal welfare

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is a key piece of legislation which is currently on its passage through Parliament. This is a vitally important Bill, which, once ratified, will ban the export from Great Britain of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs for slaughter and fattening. It seeks to stop unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused to exported live animals.
It’ll also permanently stop our well-cared for farm animals being loaded onto a lorry and sent thousands of miles by land and sea to a destination in Southern Europe – or even further afield, with reports that these animals go on to be slaughtered not even in continental Europe, but in places such as Libya and Lebanon.
Since I entered Parliament, I have campaigned for the introduction of this legislation. When I succeeded with getting my own law onto the statute book (increasing the maximum sentence for cruelty to animals in 2021), I committed to stopping live animal exports too.
Animal welfare is a very personal matter for me; I am a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, and as the son of tenant beef farmers I am acutely aware of how important high animal welfare standards are. Equally, it is of deep concern to me that any animal should be put through unnecessary trauma and treated inhumanely.
I have supported, and will continue to support, the Livestock Exports Bill throughout its passage. Also on my animal welfare agenda is legislation to tackle the distressing issue of animal worrying. There are countless and often graphic examples in the media of instances when livestock is chased and/or attacked by dogs off the lead. These instances have devastating consequences for livestock keepers, with financial and psychological impacts.
I expect to make progress with the animal worrying cause in a few weeks’ time and I will be sure to update you in due course.

Local funding
In other news, back in November, readers of The BV may recall that I tabled a debate in Parliament to improve the financial situation of our rural councils. I’ve consistently led the charge for fairness and reform when it comes to the allocation and calculation of local government funding, because it’s simply unacceptable for rural people in West Dorset to have to pay more in Council Tax than those living in urban areas. This is just one instance of the rural/urban disparity that we all experience, and which I outlined to the Chancellor of the Exchequer only a few weeks ago.
Since that important debate, much progress has been made to address this unfavourable situation. In late January, the Government announced its intention to provide significant additional measures for local authorities across the country, worth £600 million. This funding package includes £500 million of new funding for local authorities with responsibility for adults and children’s social care, which includes Dorset Council. The funding will be distributed through the Social Care Grant.
My campaign to ensure greater recognition of the specific needs of rural areas has also received special attention. I’ve been informed that the Government will be providing an additional £15 million for the Rural Services Delivery Grant – which represents an increase of more than 15 per cent and is the largest increase since 2018/19. It means that additional funding will be available for Dorset Council, and I expect further details to be announced shortly.
As always, I’d be most interested to know your views on this topic. You can contact me by email: [email protected] and you can keep up with my latest news by visiting chrisloder.co.uk or write to me at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Sturminster Marshall | Then and Now

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Editorial team

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12 February 2024

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The original toll round house stood in the angle between the Blandford and Wimborne roads, with the Poole road going off to the right. The entire junction has now been replaced by a large roundabout – named the Roundhouse Roundabout for now-obvious reasons. This card was posted to Uplyme in 1907.

Above, Sturminster Marshall’s High Street looked very different in 1906. Sturminster Marshall grew around the Bailey Gate milk, cheese and whey products factory. It was so large it had it’s own station – called Bailey Gate to avoid confusion with Sturminster Newton, further north on the Somerset & Dorset Railway.
The factory was started by Henry Tory in 1888 and at one time was the largest cheese producing factory in Europe. The ’Then’ image was taken from the S&D Railway bridge, with the Churchill Arms on the left and Bailey Gate Milk Factory on the right. The original factory warehouse building on the right is gone, though there remains an industrial park on the site, and the Churchill Arms on the left has recently been demolished.

The anniversary of Tolpuddle Martyrs arrest

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12 February 2024

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Before sunrise on 24th February 1834 farm worker George Loveless left for work as usual … but it would be three years before he was back with his wife and children again.
George and five fellow workers – James Brine, James Hammett, James Loveless, John Standfield and Thomas Standfield – were arrested, charged with making an illegal oath and transported to Australia. They only returned following a public outcry over their treatment.
We know now that the real reason for their treatment was that they had made a stand against poor pay and wage cuts by forming a trade union.
The Martyrs Arrest 190 event offers an opportunity to connect the historical struggles of the Tolpuddle Martyrs with contemporary worker experiences, featuring insights from speakers and performances by the local socialist choir, Dorset Red, and singer-songwriter Neil Duncan-Jordan. Unite event organizers are collaborating with a Canadian project dedicated to restoring the grave of George Loveless in London, Ontario, where many Martyrs found refuge post-release. This collaboration aims to include a virtual discussion about the restoration effort.
John Burbidge, a former farmworker and Unite Branch Chair, reflects on the parallels between the past and present, saying ‘The Martyrs’ arrests were calculated to create fear after pay cuts that left workers unable to feed and house their families.’ He goes on to say how this might be seen to mirror today’s governmental efforts to quash worker resistance against economic injustices.
Unite South West Deputy Regional Secretary Donna Williams will be speaking at the event and said: ‘As we reflect on the Tolpuddle Martyrs legacy, the struggles of the past continue to resonate with the challenges workers face today as we continue to fight for jobs, pay and conditions.’
The event will be held in Tolpuddle Village Hall on 24th Feb, 12.30 to 3pm.
For more information please contact Unite Branch Officer Alan Daniels – [email protected]

These Acts make a bonfire of our rights

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Editorial team

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12 February 2024

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Train drivers are being forced to strike again this month as part of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions. Regrettably, many people’s travel plans will be disrupted as a result.
Under the recent Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, train operators are legally allowed to force striking workers back to work to provide a minimum service level (MSL) that the industry has set at 40 per cent of the normal timetable. However, none of the rail companies are exercising these powers, despite ministers making it clear that they were expected to do so.
The reason for this is an understanding that to do so would lead to worse industrial relations with their employees, protracting the dispute and increasing the chance of further disruption. Indeed, an attempt by one train company, LNER, to enforce MSLs was met by ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, calling five additional strikes. Needless to say, LNER withdrew its plans.
It is clear that MSLs (which are applicable to health, fire and rescue, education, nuclear energy and border security, as well as transport services) were intended to fan the flames of chaos rather than dampen disputes, so that industrial relations might be weaponised for political gain.
The trade union movement has slammed the legislation as a threat to both industrial relations and the right to strike. The Labour Party has committed to repealing the Act immediately on forming a new government.
While it seems that the plan has backfired for now, we can be assured that the Tories will not stop there.
Indeed, the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and the Public Order Act 2022, when taken together, represent a veritable bonfire of many of our rights to peaceful protest – fundamental pillars of a functioning and stable liberal democracy.
Pat Osborne
North Dorset Labour Party

Marketing Officer | Milton Abbey School

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Editorial team

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12 February 2024

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All Year Round

Milton Abbey School seeks an experienced and competent individual to take on the role of Marketing Officer to work within our busy Development Team and manage all marketing endeavours. This role will be 40 hours a week (all year round), working Monday to Friday with some flexibility required for evening and weekend work when needed to support the marketing efforts by attending school events for example.

The candidate should have previous experience in marketing and possess skills appropriate for the creation of materials. The ability to demonstrate a high level of professional achievement are essential. Knowledge of website and social media management, as well as copywriting and advertising are necessary. Equally important are personality, aptitude and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, free parking and free refreshments and three course hot lunch during term time.

Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Friday 1st March 2024 Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.

Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Please note that our school is a no smoking site.
www.miltonabbey.co.uk Registered Charity No 306318

From hedges to hay

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Editorial team

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11 February 2024

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From kitchen classrooms to hedge health: farmer George Hosford dives into hedge surveying for new farming incentives, and the latest school visit

The young stock are out grazing cover crops. There’s lots of leaf and a good many roots, and they get a fresh hectare every day, so they don’t over-tread the ground

At the end of last year, a few members of our farm cluster group met at Hammoon to learn how to survey hedges. Led by hedge expert John Calder from Dorset Climate Action Network’s Great Big Dorset Hedge Project, we explored a few kilometres of hedges around Adam’s farm. They were in pretty good condition, mostly made up of a healthy mixture of species. There were plenty of trees and we even found hops, which are rare in Dorset. The prime purpose of our visit was to learn what we needed to do in order to take advantage of the hedgerow offer, part of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive standards (SFI). For this, we don’t even have to record the species, but as John pointed out, it can be informative. An old rule of thumb is that the number of tree and shrub species in a 100ft (30 metre) length of hedge can indicate its age, with one species for every 100 years. A single-species hedge is likely to be less than 100 years old while a 1,000 year old hedge is likely to contain ten to 12 species.
However, this formula must be used with caution.

The cows are indoors for winter, munching on hay made from the farm’s wild flower margins

For example, it’s anyone’s guess how this is supposed to work if we are surveying our own new hedges, planted last winter, where we were planting up to 10 species within 30m.
For the purposes of SFI, we simply have to assess each stretch of hedge around a field according to the Adams formula, which will help us to decide the most suitable management for the hedge in the future, whether trimming, laying, coppicing, gapping up etc.
There are bonuses available if you have a tree per 100m of hedge. These can be existing, newly planted, or a suitable hedge plant selected and marked to not be trimmed and allowed to grow up.
John and his team have been helping many farmers across Dorset to learn about this, and to get their hedges into SFI. John has put huge amounts of energy into the development of the SFI hedgerow standards, with numerous messages and presentations to DEFRA, RPA etc, and one enduring sadness is the absence of any incentive in SFI to actually plant new hedge. We very much hope this will materialise in the next chapter of releases. For more information see the Great Big Dorset Hedge project here.

Daisy the ewe is known for her patience with school visits – even after all the toast has been eaten

Banished empties
The cows are indoors for winter; the plumper ones are munching on hay made from our wild flower margins, the thinner ones are on the lovely, soft, sweet meadow hay – much more digestible with less roughage. Pregnancy diagnosis detected six empty out of 70, which is a bit higher than it should be. The three empties we have kept have been banished to the steep banks of the valley – no nice warm shed for them!
The young stock are in two groups grazing cover crops. There’s lots of leaf to eat and a good many roots this year – thanks to the damp autumn, daikon radish and turnips abound. They get a fresh hectare every day, so they don’t over-tread the ground, and leave plenty of green matter in place to grow on in the milder periods.

Reggie has done an outstanding job with his ewes

A new kitchen classroom
December saw the inaugural session in our new kitchen classroom. A group of willing participants from Durweston school arrived ready to try out the programme that our friendly teacher Penny had worked out. The plan was for the children, with careful guidance, to prepare and cook a simple vegetable soup, including fresh farm-squeezed rapeseed oil, field-grown potatoes and onions from the garden. They would also be shaping and baking rolls made with 50 per cent homegrown wheat flour, having first seen the wheat being ground into flour. And then, if successful, taste the result. Penny brought along dough she had prepared the day before, using some of our wildfarmed wheat flour, which the children made into a variety of shapes. The bread was very tasty, and considerably more popular than the soup (although I hasten to add that it too was very tasty)! In between the cookery, the children painted farm themed pictures and did a cutting and sticking exercise to help them realise which foods originate locally and which come from overseas.
Pictured above is Daisy the sheep on the same school visit. She excelled herself on the last school farm visit of the year – she has such patience and gentle endurance. Everyone wants to stroke her, and she stays on long after all the toast has been eaten. Hands-on experience is an important element of school visits, even in mid-winter. Some of the ewes are wonderful with the children (much more tolerant than with adults!).
On the left is Reggie, who was at work over Christmas. All the ewes had a red rump – we changed his raddle crayon, and none turned blue. Let’s keep it that way and have a nice compact lambing period in May.