British Gas Energy Trust welcomes Budget energy relief

British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) has welcomed measures announced in the Budget to provide immediate help with energy costs and tackle some of the longer-term pressures facing households.

With energy debt now standing at over £5 billion, the longer-term actions to abolish gas standing charges and reform electricity standing charges, alongside debt prevention measures and targeted debt relief for eligible households, are a positive step towards recognising the ongoing pressure that energy costs are placing on households across Britain.

Maff Potts, CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, said:

“This is welcome help at a time when millions of households are worried about what rising energy costs will mean for them this winter. Putting money directly back into people’s pockets, alongside action on standing charges and energy debt, is a positive step.

“Our research shows us that most people in severe hardship don’t know what help is available or assume they are not eligible. It doesn’t have to be this way. Please help us in letting them know support is out there, tell them about our work and the work of others in the energy advice and charitable grant spaces - pass it on!”

Alongside the Budget measures, the Trust is encouraging anyone struggling with their energy costs to find out what support may already be available.

The Trust’s Energy Support Grant can help eligible households across Great Britain with energy debt, offering grants of up to £1,700. Support is available to eligible customers of British Gas and other energy suppliers, including people who use prepayment meters. Eligibility criteria apply and funding is limited.

The Trust also funds charities and social enterprises across the country which provide free, confidential money and energy advice, helping people understand their bills, explore the financial support available to them and get help with wider household costs.

People can find out more about the Energy Support Grant and other support through the British Gas Energy Trust website.