LIB DEM members on Dorset Council are calling on the authority to set up a half million pound ‘Cost of Living Support Fund.’

Their motion will be considered at a full meeting of the council on Februray 14.

The group say that with inflation and interest rate rises continuing to put pressure on families and household finances, the fund will be able to directly target those most at need to give immediate support and make a real difference by prioritising items necessary for day to day living such as food, energy costs and essential household items.

The group want to see the fund in place for two years – suggesting that more than £100,000 be paid into it from the amount remaining from central government with the remaining taken from unallocated reserves which the council has.

The motion, which will be presented as an amendment to the budget, will be proposed by Lib Dem group leader Cllr Nick Ireland, seconded by Weymouth councillor Cllr Gill Taylor.

A note with the amendment says that with annual inflation now at the highest rate since 1982 people living in rural areas are disproportionately affected by fuel price increases because of the lack of public transport and often having to travel longer distances to reach work, education, and health services, than those in urban areas.

“For those residents living in some areas, there is no price cap on solid fuel, bottled gas or heating oil, which many residents in rural villages use.

Support has been provided from various sources over the past two years, some means tested, and others more widely distributed but most have ended or are about to end.

The most recent (and final) tranche of the centrally funded Household Support Fund - a hardship fund to support those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis - closed within hours of opening in Dorset because of "unprecedented" demand.”