Do you know about the British Gas Energy Trust?

Listed below is the help available through the British Gas Energy Trust Team at Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau.

The aim of the Trust is primarily to reduce fuel poverty by awarding grants to clear arrears on gas/electricity accounts (for all providers excluding Npower and EDF). The Trust does however also have a limited budget for further assistance payments and can apply for ONE of the following:

• White goods- washing machines, cookers and fridge freezers
• Funeral payments (refused application/ shortfall from DWP or clients are ineligible for help through DWP)
• DRO and bankruptcy fees (from Money Advice Caseworkers ONLY)
• Boilers (for home owners who are ineligible for government schemes and have severe health issues)

NB. Clients DO NOT need to be a British Gas customer to apply for Further Assistance Payments  

Experience shows that clients who are most likely to receive an award from the Trust would need to have some degree of vulnerability either in terms of their health or personal situation and have no disposable income. Examples of applications that have been successful have come from clients who have:

• Health issues
• Had a drastic reduction in income leading to financial hardship
• Have been in a domestic violence situation
• Troubled family situation
• Supported by drug and alcohol services
• Have been homeless

The above list is not exhaustive and each application is looked at on a case by case basis.

There are regular appointment slots at Wythenshawe, Moss Side and The Ben Brierley in Moston - if you have any questions please contact Jo, Vicky or Kamil on 0161 493 2753 or email:  energy@manchestercab.org