British Gas Energy Trust can help people clear fuel bill debt of up to £750
22.07.2022 - 14:13
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
British Gas has announced an extra £2 million will be put towards money advice centres funded by the British Gas Energy Trust to get more help to those struggling with the rising cost of living. It is an independent charity solely funded by British Gas and, as well as directly helping consumers with grants, it works with and provides funding to other money and energy advice projects around the UK.
There are currently 23 advice centres funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, including Money Matters Glasgow, and this additional investment will add another 20. The charities help consumers with money advice, access to benefits, help with bill disputes, energy support and help applying for grants.
They have managed debts for 24,000 people and have gained an additional £16 million in income for those seeking advice, as well as enabling the write-off of £7 million worth of debts. The extra £2 million in funding will increase this impact with an expected 35,000 people visiting the centres this year.
Independent research from the Centre of Sustainable Energy has shown that over three quarters (78%) of those supported through these organisations were able to plan ahead for household bills and other expenses.
Over two thirds (68%) reported that support helped them to access additional income and 72 per cent experienced an improvement in their financial situation since receiving support.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, said: “We pride ourselves on being a responsible business and want to help consumers struggling with the cost of living in any way we can.
“A big part of that is making sure we have direct grants and funds for consumers who are really struggling to provide some much-needed immediate relief.
“The advice centres
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