British Gas issues £232 warning to households who want to 'escape'

British Gas Energy Trust has created more than £250 million in societal benefits. The nmber of fuel poor households has more than doubled in past four years, with households needing £232 per year to escape fuel poverty.

For every £1 spent by the British Gas Energy Trust in the last financial year, it created £5.50 in value for society.. £11 million of gains made for the exchequer through additional tax revenue and savings to the NHS in the last four years.

Three-quarters (74%) of beneficiaries reported better satisfaction with their lives after receiving support, compared to just 44% who said the same before help. British Gas Energy Trust has tripled its expenditure, enabled by boosted funding from British Gas, to provide essential support to those who need it most.

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Since the launch of the Trust in 2004, the energy provider has contributed over £200 million in donations. In the past financial year 2023/24, British Gas Energy Trust created £40 million in net benefits to society in England, £7 million in Scotland and £2 million in Wales.

Jessica Taplin CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “The dual crisis of rising energy costs and wider cost of living increases continues to have a devastating impact on households. We had a clear goal for the Trust when it was set up 20 years ago – to alleviate the detrimental impact of fuel poverty. With the support of our grant and funded organisation programmes, this new report brings home the positive impact we’ve made so far – but it doesn’t end there.

“Our fight to help people in fuel poverty continues and this year to mark our 20th anniversary, we’re building on our understanding of the issue from the front line, by visiting charities and third sector organisations who support those most at risk of fuel poverty, and hearing from people affected, to take stock on what really helps and the barriers we still need to overcome. The aim is to identify and fund future interventions that are proven to support the most vulnerable communities while gathering meaningful lessons to influence societal change and see significant reductions in fuel poverty over the next decade.”

Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, said: “The impact that the British Gas Energy Trust has had has been phenomenal. Not only is it reaching people in some of the most deprived areas across the country, it is also positively impacting people’s lives, supporting them with financial aid and guidance in their time of need.

“While it’s been good news that food and energy prices are falling, for many households the cost-of-living crisis is far from over. That’s why we’ve put £140 million into supporting those who need help the most. We will be continuing to work closely with the Trust to ensure that this work continues and to help alleviate the pressures so many are facing – now and in the future.”

Chris Warner, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, said: “The report underscores the efficacy of interventions targeting fuel poverty to create social value and demonstrates the profound effect of British Gas Energy Trust’s programmes on its beneficiaries’ sense of wellbeing. Ultimately, it showcases why charities such as the Trust should collect comprehensive yet proportionate data on their beneficiaries in order to understand and communicate their impact.”