A DORSET woman feels she, and many others, are being ‘discriminated against’ because of how the council has dished out vouchers as part of a centrally funded scheme.

Those in the Dorset Council area must be a recipient of Universal Credit to be eligible for Winter Energy Vouchers, which are part of the government funded Household Support Fund.

However, those who are receiving other benefits such as pension credit or disability allowance, do not qualify for this scheme despite being in need of it just as much, says Elaine Jacklin, 54 who lives near Sherborne.

Dorset Echo:

Ms Jacklin, who lives with her son and daughter, says she struggles to heat her home with the rising cost of electricity and oil pieces, but needs to most of the time because her 11-year-old son is homeschooled as he waits for a place with the SEND programme.

“I feel discriminated against, people who do not get the right benefit so do not get it. Everyone should be treated fairly,” said Ms Jacklin.

“Electric prices have shot up. The cost of oil is so much that I cannot order it because they only deliver a £500 worth at a time.

“It’s not fair, I have not got that type of money to fill it up often. Now I have to get it on a credit card and it is just a circle of debt.”

Ms Jacklin says those who are on other benefits are being ‘forgotten about’ and insists it’s not just her that has been ‘cut off’.

As the funding is part of a national government scheme Ms Jacklin says in other counties the funding is distributed to people on other types of benefits and not just Universal Credit, leaving her feeling like the way it has been dealt with in Dorset as if those in charge don’t care about those with disabilities.

Ms Jacklin added: “There is just no help there. There are hundreds probably worse off than me.”

In response, Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for children’s services said: “The knock-on effects of the pandemic continue to place huge pressures on people, and we know many of our residents will be finding it hard to make ends meet, particularly at this time of year.

“We have put in place a wide ranging programme to allocate the government’s Household Support Fund, and the Winter Energy Vouchers form just one part of this.

“One of the main criteria to apply for a Winter Energy Voucher is that applicants must be on Universal Credit. However, if you don’t meet this criteria and are concerned about being able to pay utility bills and other costs this winter, there may still be help available.

“If you are in this situation, reach out as soon as possible to Dorset Citizens Advice – their specialist advisors can help you tackle immediate financial problems and also help you plan for the longer term, so you can get back on track.”