Dorset, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on February 3rd, 2026 | return to news

Citizens Advice secures £20m for Dorset residents

Residents in the county are continuing to seek advice, and 14,300 residents were helped last year with 79,000 issues.

Citizens Advice is a much-needed service in Dorset, and last year it helped local residents gain over £20 million in financial outcomes. This included welfare benefits gained, debts written off, as well as access to other grants and support.

In 2025, Citizens Advice in Dorset helped 14,300 residents with 79,000 issues, including 32,000 benefit-related enquiries.

It saw an increase in demand for debt and utility issues. Residents in the Dorset Council area came to Citizens Advice with 20 per cent more fuel debts and 23 per cent more Council Tax debts than in 2024.

Daniel Cadisch, chief officer of Citizens Advice Central Dorset, said: “Residents had a tough year coping with the high cost of living. Our team connected people with the help that they needed. Supporting people to maximise their income and manage finances allows them to feel more resilient and more confident to cope with rising household bills.

“People often come to us for help with one issue, which then reveals a number of additional issues, putting more pressure on our service. Demand for debt advice is also high, with nearly 2,000 people seeking debt advice from us in 2025. Our message to residents is to approach us for help at the earliest stage; that way, we can point you in the right direction and work with you to build resilience in 2026.

“We are an independent charity and are hugely grateful to all of our funders and, in particular, Dorset Council, for their financial and partnership support, enabling us to provide advice for Dorset residents.”

A Dorset resident who recently received debt advice said: “I found the debt team all very friendly and very helpful. Even when I was at my most stressed, they were always willing and able to help me with my problems and help me sort them. I feel a big weight has been lifted since my Debt Relief Order has been approved. Thank you.”

For free, confidential advice and support, call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk for details of your nearest Citizens Advice.