The Advice Dorset Partnership E news is published fortnightly on a Thursday. However, if there is something urgent in-between we will send out a supplementary edition.
You can now subscribe to the newsletter (it is free and you will get an automatic notification when it is published) – and do encourage colleagues to subscribe too. The subscribe option is at the bottom of this page.
If you would like to send anything out via the bulletin, and for all other enquiries about the Advice Dorset Partnership, contact Thomas Hensher at Citizens Advice Central Dorset: [email protected]
Advice Updates
BENEFITS
Housing Benefit (HB) earned income disregard changes: The government is introducing new earned income disregards for working age HB claimants in temporary or specified accommodation. These come into effect on 5 October 2026.
The disregards mean earned income for these HB claimants will be treated more similarly to how it is in Universal Credit (UC). This aims at preventing a cliff edge and a work disincentive where an increase in earned income stops a claimant’s UC entitlement, and therefore stops passporting to full HB.
The weekly rates of the new disregards are:
- £61.41 for single claimants under 25
- £77.73 for single claimants aged 25+
- £97.33 for couples both under 18
- £61.53 for couples both under 25
- £119.79 for couples with at least one member aged 25+
Example
A single client aged 25+ in specified accommodation, has a maximum UC of £424.90 per month, and a maximum HB of £200 per week. Earning £750 per month, they are entitled to £12.40 per month UC and full HB at a monthly equivalent of £866.67.
If earnings increased to £800 per month, they wouldn’t be entitled to any UC, and wouldn’t be passported to full HB. Under current rules, HB would be a monthly equivalent of £629.85, leaving them worse off.
Under the new rules, HB entitlement would be a monthly equivalent of £848.81, making them £19.74 better off after their earnings increase.
You can read the regulations changing the HB earnings disregards on legislation.gov.uk.
Merging the administration of Pension Credit (PC) and pension-age Housing Benefit (HB(PA)): It was announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget that the administration of PC and HB(PA) would be merged into a new combined service. In pursuit of this, there will be a pilot testing ‘an online claim channel for a small cohort of invited customers from autumn 2026’. Following this, a full service will be launched to support claims made online, over the phone, in person and in writing. There’s currently no timescale for the full service launch.
Where claims for HB are made through the combined service HB decision making, and the consideration of appeals, will still be carried out by the local authority, not the Pension Service.
You can read about merging the administration of PC and HB(PA) on GOV.UK.
DEBT
Impact of motor finance compensation on insolvency: The Insolvency Service has issued guidance on the impact of potential motor finance compensation on insolvency. They confirm that in bankruptcy any compensation that the client might be entitled to for a car finance agreement taken out before the date of the bankruptcy will form part of the bankruptcy estate and the client won’t be able to keep any of the payment. Clients in this position are not entitled to make a claim under the scheme. If the claim has already started they should inform their official receiver even if their bankruptcy has already ended.
For debt relief orders (DRO) the message in the guidance is a little confusing. At the last Competent Authority meeting the DRO team clarified that “We need to be notified if an individual is applying for this (either as part of any new application or for individuals already in a DRO). Any funds due to the individual would be considered an asset. We need the brief details of the vehicle and finance agreement and the status of any claim/redress.”
You can read the guidance from the Insolvency Service on GOV.UK.
HOUSING
Awaab’s Law phase 2: Guidance released ahead of November 2026 rollout: New guidance has been published ahead of the second phase of Awaab’s Law, setting out how social landlords must respond to a wider range of hazards when the rules come into force on 30 November 2026.
The second phase will extend the legislation beyond damp and mould, bringing seven additional hazards within scope of the new requirements. These include excess cold, excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosion risks, electrical hazards, and domestic hygiene issues.
Where one of these hazards presents an immediate risk to a tenant’s health or safety, landlords will be required to investigate and take steps to make the home safe within 24 hours.
For hazards that are serious but not considered an immediate danger, social landlords will need to follow set timescales for investigation, communication and repairs. These requirements include:
- investigating the issue within 10 working days
- providing tenants with a written summary of the findings and planned action within three working days of the investigation
- completing urgent safety measures within five working days of the investigation, ensuring the home is made safe within 15 working days or less
- starting longer term repair works within 12 weeks
The first phase of Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025, requiring social landlords to address dangerous damp and mould within legally defined timeframes.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published non-statutory guidance to support landlords in preparing for phase 2, alongside amending the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025.
The MHCLG guidance is available to read on GOV.UK.
The amended regulations are also available on GOV.UK.
The Government has confirmed that the final phase of Awaab’s Law is expected in 2027. This will extend the same repair deadlines to the remaining hazards covered by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, excluding overcrowding.
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) regulations and guidance – England only: On 23 June 2026 the HHSRS, as set out in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005, was amended, to:
- amalgamate and reduce the number of descriptions of hazards from 29 to 21
- simplify the method for calculating the seriousness of hazards
- amend the hazard bands to high, medium and low
- extend the description of fire hazard
New and amended government guidance has been published to reflect the changes, including:
- operating guidance
- enforcement guidance
- a tenant guide
Local authorities are required to have regard to the statutory operating and enforcement guidance when assessing hazards and considering enforcement.
You can find the HHSRS guidance on GOV.UK.
CONSUMER
Regulation of buy now pay later: Buy now pay later (BNPL) is short term interest free credit. It is officially called deferred payment credit (DPC). It’s offered as a payment option online and in shops. From 15 July BNPL is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Clients who have bought goods using BNPL can now make a section 75 claim against a provider of DPC if an item costs over £100 and up to £30,000. This only applies to transactions from this date. It’s not retrospective.
You can read more about Buy Now Pay Later on the FCA website.
ENERGY
Government announces details of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty: The Government has announced a new duty, the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (EVED). This will apply to all electric vehicles (EVs), Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs).
From 1 April 2028, a new mileage-based charge will apply to BEVs, PHEVs, and HFCEVs that are cars. The rates of tax will be:
- 3 pence per mile for BEVs and HFCEVs
- 1.5 pence per mile for PHEVs
The charge will increase each year.
Affected drivers will be expected to annually provide an estimate of their mileage for the forthcoming year. They will also need to provide their mileage from their odometer (milometer). Affected drivers will be expected to pay their EVED upfront based on their estimated mileage. This can either be paid in one lump sum or in monthly installments. The annual mileage will be collected from the vehicle at the annual MOT. There will then be a reconciliation and drivers will either pay or receive a rebate on the difference between their estimated and actual mileage.
You can read more in the government announcement on GOV.UK.
FAMILY
Kinship Consultation: The Law Commission has published a consultation paper proposing changes to Kinship care. Kinship care is when a child is looked after by a family member or friend, instead of their parent.
The proposals include:
- introducing a Kinship Care Order (KCO) which could be made in place of a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or a Child Arrangement Order (CAO)
- a KCO could be “tailored” to the needs of a child depending on their particular circumstances, providing carers with more decision making rights
- introduction of a Kinship Parental Responsibility Agreement (Kinship PRA) which would enable a kinship carer to obtain parental responsibility for a child without the parent or carer needing to attend court
- no time limitation on a Kinship PRA so it could continue until a child is 18
You can read the Kinship care consultation paper at lawcom.gov.uk.
NEWS
Citizens Advice responds to Prime Minister Burnham’s first speech: Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“The scale of the Prime Minister’s ambitions for his government are clear. We hope his plans for cost of living take on the biggest pressures on household budgets: energy, rent and debt. At Citizens Advice, we know people can’t wait any longer.
“Tackling the deep roots of these struggles will be key to shifting the dial. Over 4 million households are behind on their energy bills, that’s why we’ve long-called for better targeted bill support. With sky-high rents pushing millions to the brink, the Prime Minister is right to focus on the worst effects of the housing crisis. Action here must also include support for the lowest income renters, by unfreezing housing support.
“These are the roots of the problems, and the consequence is the record levels of debt we’re seeing at Citizens Advice. A promising direction was set today, and with a relentless focus on energy, rent and debt, the new government can bring about much-needed change before the end of this Parliament.”
Research and Reports
Universal Credit and Domestic Abuse – A Spotlight Report: This report from Citizens Advice finds that Universal Credit is not consistently supporting people experiencing domestic abuse to achieve financial independence, with features such as joint claims, complex processes and limited tailored support creating additional barriers. It calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to reform UC so that people can access safer, more flexible and responsive support. Read the report here.
Home Truths: Housing-Led Approaches to Homelessness: According to a new report form IPPR, homelessness in England could rise by 25% by the end of the decade without targeted action. The report advocates for a housing-led approach to support people most affected by the housing crisis, focusing on helping them move into secure, settled homes as quickly as possible with the right support available when needed. It also explores how the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Oxfordshire County Council are implementing this approach in practice. Read it here.
SW MoneyHelper July Report: AI & financial decisions – what you need to know: Paul Fox has shared the July MoneyHelper article focusing on AI risks for financial decisions, citing ChatGPT incorrectly advising £25k ISA investment when allowance is £20k. Read the report here: SW MoneyHelper Financial Wellbeing Network – July 2026
Upcoming Events & Training
BCP Volunteer Centre Dorset – Funding 1: Income Sustainability & Diversity: This online session will help community groups and small charities reduce reliance on grants by developing a broader, more resilient mix of income sources.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• Understand why grant dependency is risky for long-term sustainability
• Identify sustainable income types suitable for your organisation
• Assess their current income mix and identify gaps
• Explore practical ways to diversify income (community fundraising, trading, partnerships, contracts, donations)
• Begin developing a realistic plan to strengthen financial resilience
12 August 2026: 10am-12pm. Online. Book here.
Volunteer Centre Dorset – Developing a Communications & Marketing Plan: This interactive workshop will take you through the essential steps in creating a communications/marketing plan for your voluntary group or organisation. We will cover:
– setting clear objectives
– understanding your audience
– finding the right channels
– creating engaging, accessible content
– evaluating your work
The session will include peer feedback, and each person attending will leave with an actional mini-comms plan. Be prepared to bring a piece of communications you are currently working on or planning, and think about what your biggest communications challenge is.
Wednesday 16th September 2026: 10am-1pm. Volunteer Centre Dorset, Dorchesrer DT1 1EF. Book here.
Funding
Community Wellbeing and Mental Health Fund:
This funding programme is for activities and services for adults only (age 18+) across the county of Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole).
The following grants are available:
- Grants of up to £20,000, for an 18 to 24 month grant period are available for groups who have been delivering community activities for two years or more, and need support for established activities (including expansion or adaption to local needs). Requests for smaller amounts are welcome.
- Grants of up to £5,000 for a 12 month grant period are available for groups who have been delivering community activities for less than two years, or established groups that are looking to pilot new ways of working or launch new services.
The deadline to apply to this Fund is midday on August 6.
Dorset Council Capital Leverage Fund: The aim of the Capital Leverage Fund is to support community and cultural organisations to deliver capital projects which provide new and improved facilities for our communities and residents. ‘Not for profit’ community organisations in the Dorset Council area, with an annual turnover of less than £1million can apply. If your organisation has an annual turnover of over £1million, contact Dorset Council to discuss your application first. You can still apply but will be a lower priority.
The total funding available for this fund is £155,000 for 2026/27.
You can apply for a capital grant of between £1,000 and £25,000, to fund up to 20% of your total project costs.
This fund is open until Sunday 10 January 2027 at 11:59pm.
For full details on how to apply, see the website here.
Green Futures Fund: Dorset Community Foundation has launched the Green Futures Fund, a new programme designed to inspire and empower young people to take action on environmental challenges. The fund was established by DCF Chair Tom Flood CBE and aims to support the next generation of environmental leaders across Dorset.
- Grants of up to £5,000
This fund is aimed at groups and individuals based in Dorset with projects that engage young people in environmental action, conservation, education or career development related to the environment.
Projects will be funded that:
- Support practical environmental and water conservation activities
- Provide environmental education opportunities
- Offer careers advice and pathways into environmental sectors
- Encourage young people’s involvement in addressing climate and environmental challenges
- Promote community action to protect Dorset’s natural environment
Applicants should contact Dorset Community Foundation for full eligibility criteria before applying.
Deadline: No application deadline has yet been published. Interested groups should contact Dorset Community Foundation for further information.