Citizens Advice staff say they are now dealing with cases of destitution – not just poverty – in the Dorchester area.
A recent open meeting of Dorchester Poverty Action heard from Caroline Buxton of Citizens Advice, who said some people are now having to make “really difficult decisions” about whether to eat, heat their homes or buy prescription medication.
A DPA spokesperson said: “Citizens Advice are now finding that however hard their debt volunteers try, for some families, they cannot achieve a balanced budget. There is just nowhere to cut costs to make ends meet. Caroline’s stark warning was Citizens Advice are now not just dealing with poverty, but destitution.”
They added: “In the last financial year DPA saw the number of grants given rise by 47%. Over £62,000 was distributed across DT1 and DT2. DPA cannot keep helping at this rate without the generous donations of local people. Everyone is having to be more careful financially, but if you can spare just a small donation to help local people, DPA can continue helping as it has done for the last 30 years.”
To find out more and donate: dorchesterpovertyaction.org.uk
Or cheques can be made out to Dorchester Poverty Action and sent to DPA c/o United Church Dorchester 49-51 Charles Street, Dorchester, DT1 1EE.
n Low-income households in the Dorset Council area can claim £150 grocery vouchers. You can apply if you have an annual household net income of less than £30k and savings of less than £16k and not applied in the last 6 months. Net income should not include PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit. dorsetcouncil .gov.uk/household-support-fund or 01305 221000.