The money will be used for things including grants and fuel vouchers
British Gas has pledged £40million to help people facing financial hardship, committing £8 million a year over the next five years to the British Gas Energy Trust. The funding will support thousands of households struggling with rising energy costs and wider cost-of-living pressures, while enabling the Trust to expand and strengthen its frontline support.
The average energy bill is forecast to rise by more than £200 a year this summer.
The Trust, solely funded by British Gas, provides a wide range of practical assistance, including energy and debt relief grants, emergency fuel vouchers, and support for essential household items such as white goods. It also delivers targeted outreach programmes in communities across England, Scotland and Wales to ensure support reaches those most in need.
The announcement comes as many families continue to face sustained financial strain, with demand for energy and debt advice remaining high across the UK. As part of the investment, the Trust will overhaul its flagship Supporting Communities At Risk Programme (SCARP), reshaping it to deliver more targeted, long-term support and improve outcomes for vulnerable households.
It also plans to introduce longer-term funding for charities and community organisations, moving towards three-year partnerships from April 2027. The shift is designed to give frontline services greater financial certainty and allow them to support more people over a longer period. Over the next year, the Trust will work with partners across the sector to assess where need is greatest and how services can be delivered more effectively, helping to build a more sustainable national support network for those in fuel poverty.
Tracey Talbot British Gas Energy Trust interim CEO said: “This £40 million commitment comes at a critical time for many households who are still struggling to keep up with energy costs. Through grants, vouchers, essential household support and outreach in communities, we can provide both immediate relief and longer-term help for those who need it most.
“By strengthening our programmes and working closely with our partners, we can make sure support reaches people not just now, but in a way that creates lasting impact. Moving to multi-year funding will also give organisations the stability they need to plan ahead and deliver deeper, more sustained support in their communities.”
Gary Booker, Managing Director at British Gas, said: “Tackling energy debt and fuel poverty remains a major priority for us, and we’re committed to working alongside partners and communities to make a real difference for those who need it most.
“By committing £8 million a year to the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re ensuring vital support remains available now and in the years ahead, while giving the Trust the stability it needs to deliver long-term impact.”
