Cost of living fund supports Dorset residents financially

Dorset Council has helped thousands of residents stay warm, fed and financially stable through its cost of living support programme and has committed to funding it for years to come.

The council has invested £500,000 into the scheme in 2025/26 in addition to funding received from government through the Household Support Fund, supporting people facing rising costs with housing, food and energy and money advice. It will now continue to invest £500,000 every year until at least 2029 to make sure help is there for those who need it most.

The Dorset Together: Cost of Living Programme was set up to support residents struggling with everyday costs. It brings together council services, community groups and charities to provide practical help and early support before problems become crises.

Over the past year, the programme has made a direct difference to people across Dorset. More than 1,100 households were helped to avoid homelessness, with targeted support to pay rent, secure accommodation and stay in their homes.

Residents also received help to manage money and reduce debt. The council funded specialist debt and energy advice through Citizens Advice, supporting over 1,000 people with nearly 2,800 issues. This led to more than £1.3 million in financial gains and debts written off.

Support has also focused on day to day essentials. This includes funding for foodbanks, social supermarkets and community food projects, helping households access emergency and affordable food and build longer-term resilience.

Older residents have been supported to claim benefits they are entitled to, with more than 1,000 people receiving face to face help. Meanwhile, families have benefited from additional free holiday activity places for children.

The programme also helped improve living conditions, providing essential home appliances to low-income households and making homes warmer and more energy efficient for disabled residents.

By focusing on early help and prevention, the programme is reducing the need for more costly emergency support and helping people stay independent for longer.

Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention & Communities, said:

“Many people in Dorset are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, and we know that for some, even small changes can make a big difference.

“This programme is about stepping in early, helping people to stay in their homes, manage their money and get back on their feet.

“We’ve continued to see real results this year, from preventing homelessness to helping families put food on the table. That’s why we are continuing to invest £500,000 every year to make sure this support is there when people need it.

“By working closely with local charities and community groups, we’re building something that not only helps people through difficult times but also supports longer-term resilience.”

Any resident that would like to find out what cost of living support is available to them can go to https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/cost-of-living-help or call Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.