Wanted: multilingual volunteers to welcome international sailors to Weymouth and Portland

Would you be interested in meeting sailing teams from around the world? We're looking for local volunteers to lend their language skills to help international sailing teams throughout their time in the Borough whilst they train and compete here.

If you're fluent in English plus one or more other language and would be interested in helping the Council extend a warm Weymouth and Portland welcome, we would love to hear from you.

Sail over to our 2012 sailing pages to fill out your details, or call 01305 838000 to register with us, and we will get back to you with details of how you can get on board.

Best of Dorset Show 2010 – Sunday 28th March, Pavilion Theatre

Show organisers are delighted with the response to this year's big Resort Tourism and Leisure Show. Demand for stands is up on previous years and the entertainment programme for the day is fully booked and packed with a great range and diversity of singing, music, drama and fun.

Show favorites WOW and Dorset for Singing will be joined by new acts for the Show such as Street Dancing, Lets Dance and Mad Science. There will be ceremonial cannon firing throughout the day organized by the re–enactment group from the Nothe Fort. The show will feature a buzz of information and ideas on fun events, major festivals, local health and sports clubs, attractions and many volunteer groups.

Have your say on private rented accommodation in Weymouth and Portland

There's a growing demand for private rented accommodation here in Weymouth and Portland, and the Council would like your views on the way the private rented sector and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) are regulated.

A draft Private Rented Sector Housing Policy and action plan has been developed, along with a supporting policy on Licensing and enforcement of HMOs, and now the documents are available to be viewed online. The Council is keen to work with residents to shape the Policy to suit requirements, and help address any concerns.

Follow this link to see the draft Policies and complete the survey

Fresh look at Borough's economy and tourism: views wanted

Residents' opinions are really important to the way we work, and the Council are now looking to the local business sector to share their thoughts on a brand new Economic and Tourism Development Strategy.

The Strategy sets out a framework for the future development of the Borough's economy, and is the result of a new, refocused way of working which we hope will show direct results on the economy here in Weymouth and Portland. The Strategy aims to build the area's reputation for 'Creative Opportunities in a World Class Location', help to raise wage and skill levels, promote the area as a quality tourist destination and capitalise on the hosting of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sailing events.

To view the new Strategy and tell us what you think, please visit our consultation pages

Council Tax Rise Below Inflation

At a meeting on 2nd February, Members of the Council's Management Committee have recommended restricting the increase in Council Tax to just 2%, which is below the current rate of inflation of 2.9% and the lowest increase for Weymouth and Portland for 14 years.

In August 2009, Councillors agreed the Hard Choices programme and instructed officers to identify further efficiencies that could be made; and also identify other potential savings. The report shows that £143,000 of efficiencies have been found and a further £769,000 has been identified from other potential savings. Additional funding is also being provided for repairs and maintenance with a further £200,000 being set aside for general maintenance, and an additional £170,000 having been identified to go towards the repairs of the harbour walls.