In 2004 British Gas recognised the need to further address the needs of some of its most vulnerable customers. It already has a number of schemes in place but it was unable to reach this group in as effective a way as it would have liked.

For British Gas it was important not only to be able to write off the debt but to make a long term sustainable difference to these customers. It therefore set up an independent Charitable Trust which is overseen by a group of unpaid Trustees.

The Trust accepts applications from individuals and families on a standard application form requesting help to pay energy arrears and also in certain circumstances other household bills and costs.

These applications are assessed by a team of experienced grant assessors who are able to asses the whole situation and target the funds to those who are in greatest need.

The Trustees are eager to ensure that the Trust fulfils its role to the best of its ability. It is obvious that to make a long term sustainable difference to those in debt this cannot be achieved solely by awarding grants to individuals and families.

Whilst providing relief, these would not fully assist individuals and families trapped in multiple debt situations and that the network of money advice services needs to be strengthened. Grants are therefore also made available to voluntary organisations to enable them to develop money advice services and to provide education in debt prevention.