In 2004 British Gas recognised the need to further address the needs of some of its most vulnerable customers. It already had 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 clear the energy debts of vulnerable customers, but to also make a long term sustainable difference to these customers enabling them to concentrate on ongoing bills. It therefore set up an independent Charitable Trust which is governed by a group of unpaid voluntary Trustees, to help identify and assist customers who could be helped in this way.

The Trust launched with an initial donation from British Gas of £10 million over 3 years. British Gas currently donates £3.3 million per annum to the Trust.

The Trust accepts applications from individuals and families requesting help to pay energy debt and also in exceptional circumstances other essential household debts and costs. These applications are assessed by a team of experienced grant assessors who are able to consider an applicant’s situation holistically and target the funds to those who are in greatest need.

The Trust also operates an Organisational Grant Programme, awarding grants to voluntary organisations to enable them to develop and strengthen money advice services and to provide education in debt prevention.