Hundreds of families across Dorset have been supported through Dorset Council’s cost of living programme, but its future is now in doubt.
The council has confirmed that the £2million support fund for 2024/25 may not continue beyond the end of this financial year. Partner organisations are being warned that funding could come to an end unless further Government support is secured.
Since April, 188 families have avoided homelessness thanks to targeted help. Around 54 vulnerable households have received assistance with energy-saving measures, while an average of 6,628 households a month have relied on foodbanks and social supermarkets funded through the programme.
Working with Citizens Advice, the council has also helped manage more than 900 complex financial cases. This led to over £615,000 in income gains and over £600,000 in debts written off.
Support has extended to adults with learning disabilities through budgeting workshops, and to older residents, with 500 receiving telephone support and 300 getting face-to-face help with benefit claims. So far, that’s resulted in £388,000 in successful claims.
In a report to councillors, the council’s community team said the support has reduced debt, food insecurity, and the risk of eviction. The council is maintaining its early intervention approach to help people before their situations worsen.
Councillors are being asked to consider lobbying the Government to extend the Household Support Fund so that the work can continue past March 2026.