Help is available to support you and we would encourage you not to wait until it is too late as early intervention can make a lot of difference.
We have Tenancy Sustainment Officers whose role is to work with struggling households to support them. We can:
- help you talk to your landlord or lender about the issues and negotiate solutions
- signpost you for additional help with debts
- help you make benefit claims to maximise your income
- help you prepare a household budget plan
- signpost you and help you get help from other places such as through grants, discretionary housing payments and the household support grant scheme
- help you get access to a foodbank or other emergency help
Get help with your mortgage
If you are struggling to meet your mortgage payments there is advice available to help.
Healthy Homes Dorset
Healthy Homes Dorset can offer all Dorset residents free, impartial energy advice over the phone, and eligible residents free loft and wall insulation. Free heating improvements may also be available.
Contact us
If you are worried you may lose your home, or are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage please contact us, we will do all we can to support and help you.
You can also get cost of living advice and tips from Which? and StepChange on coping with the cost of living.
Dorset Home Upgrade Grant
The scheme enables Dorset homeowners and private renters to access funded energy saving measures such as:
- loft and cavity wall insulation
- external wall insulation
- heating upgrades
- air source heat pumps
- solar panels
The scheme will help reduce energy use and fuel costs for those who live in lower energy rated homes (EPC D to G) and heat their homes with a fuel other than mains gas such as:
- electric heaters
- oil and LPG boilers
- solid fuel heating
HUG 2 is the second phase of the Home Upgrade Grant and is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. To find out more and apply visit the Home Upgrade Grant website.
Need housing advice? Don’t leave it too late
Renters, homeowners, landlords and letting agents are being urged to act now if they are struggling financially or know someone who needs support.
We are working with Shelter and Citizens Advice to offer help with a range of issues including:
- rent or mortgage arrears
- debt advice
We’re here to assist with anything housing-related that’s not going as planned. So, if this affects you or someone you know, please get in touch.
Our service is free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
Call 01305 221000 or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk