More than half a million pounds in discretionary housing support is expected to be paid out in rural Dorset during this financial year.

The money is given by Dorset Council only to those in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit to help with their housing costs when there is a shortfall between their income and rent.

Almost 950 received the additional grant in 2018-19 amounting to £453,000. Awards went to 300 in West Dorset, 291 in Weymouth and Portland, 145 in Purbeck, 116 in East Dorset and 95 in North Dorset.

In the current year the Dorset Council grant allocation for the payments is £553,455.

A report on the financial help scheme to Tuesday’s council cabinet says the discretional housing payments are administered by the council’s benefits team: “DHPs can have a positive impact on the lives of claimants who are struggling to meet their housing costs. As the total that can be awarded each year is cash limited it is essential that applications are always considered based on their individual merits…

“In determining whether a DHP should be given the Council must be satisfied that the claimant qualifies for additional support with their housing costs and that, based on their circumstances, it is reasonable to make the award,” councillors were told in a report from officers.

The cabinet approved a policy for awarding the grants which they were told has been amended to make it easier to understand in plain English.