People with energy bill debt urged to apply for cash help of up to £1,700

Over 2,000 households across Scotland, England and Wales had debt worth more than £947,000 of written off by the British Gas Energy Trust.

The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individuals and Families Fund (I&F) to help households struggling with energy debt on a prepayment or credit account. The support scheme can provide up to £1,700 to eligible customers of any energy supplier, if that supplier does not have its own support scheme.

Last year, the I&F fund helped 2,051 households across Scotland, England and Wales, write off more than £947,000 of energy debt.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of British Gas Energy Trust said, “We’re pleased to announce the reopening of our Individuals and Families Fund to both credit and prepayment meter account holders, as we know just how important it is.”

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She continued: “Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges, and this means we can once again provide vital support, regardless of which energy supplier they’re with.

“This fund will help those who need it most get back on stable ground and feel confident in keeping their homes and families warm and safe.”

The Individuals and Families Fund has helped people like 29-year-old Heather, who found herself in financial difficulty following a relationship breakdown and redundancy.

She was not eligible for redundancy pay and was relying on friends and family to support her while she searched for a new role.

Heather managed to secure part-time employment that covered her ongoing energy charges but was unable to clear her debt. Heather applied help from the Fund and was awarded £1,102, giving her a fresh start.