Financial help is being made available to some Dorset residents who meet certain criteria.

People living within the Dorset Council area who aren’t connected to a mains gas network may be eligible for an Alternative Fuel Grant from Citizens Advice.

To receive financial support to help with energy costs residents must meet the following criteria:

  • Have no mains gas and use coal, oil, wood or gas bottles to heat their home
  • Live in a park home
  • Live in a house with multiple occupation (HMO)
  • Are from the traveller community

Judy Herring, service manager, at Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “There is funding available for people who may have not been eligible for the discounts announced by the government last year to help with energy costs.

"We encourage people who meet the eligibility criteria and live in the Dorset Council area to contact their local Citizens Advice office to apply for the grant.”

The Alternative Fuel Grant is a £200 supermarket voucher and is only available to residents who live in the Dorset Council area.

To apply for the Alternative Fuel Grant, contact your local Citizens Advice office.

Offices in Dorset are located across three regions:

Visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk to find out more about Citizen Advice Dorset or call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.