British Gas Energy Trust and The Multibank supporting families across Scotland

Since the start of 2026, British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) and The Multibank have been working together to help vulnerable families in Scotland access essential household items and energy support, at a time of continued financial pressure.

As part of a new £2.4m, three-year partnership between The Multibank and Centrica, The Multibank is able to refer clients to the Trust, providing them with access to energy debt grants, emergency fuel vouchers and white goods.

With an estimated 34% of households in Scotland living in fuel poverty, and 85% of people saying the cost of living is one of the most important issues facing the UK, the partnership aims to provide practical support to families and individuals struggling to afford everyday essentials and energy costs.

Through the collaboration, The Big House Multibank and a selection of Charity Partners across Scotland have been distributing white goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, alongside fuel vouchers, to households experiencing hardship. The support complements The Multibank existing provision of household essentials including bedding, toiletries, cleaning products and other items.

The partnership has helped people like Joan*. After finally getting the keys to a permanent home for her and her child, Joan realised the property was empty and she could not afford the essential items needed without going into debt. She was referred to Fresh Start, one of The Multibank Charity partners, by her housing officer. Fresh Start provided Joan with a Starter Pack of basic household items and cooking essentials. They were also able to utilise the Trust’s white goods scheme and an additional white goods fund to supply vital appliances, including a cooker, fridge freezer and washing machine, helping the family build a stable routine in their new home.

So far, The Multibank has ordered more than 250 white goods and issued over 470 fuel vouchers to families across Scotland, helping households access vital appliances and manage energy costs.

Tracey Talbot, Interim CEO of British Gas Energy Trust said:

“The cost of living continues to put enormous pressure on households, and we know energy costs are a major part of that. When a family is struggling, something like a broken fridge or washing machine can quickly become a crisis. Partnering with The Multibank allows us to get practical help directly to the people who need it most, through organisations that know their communities best.”

Alice Moxley, CEO of The Big House Multibank said:

“Access to essential household appliances is often the difference between simply having a house and being able to create a home. Since the beginning of January, we’ve been able to provide nearly 300 white goods to families who need them most. What makes this support so powerful is its flexibility. This initiative allows us to respond quickly and appropriately to individual circumstances, enhancing the support we already provide and ensuring families can access exactly what they need to live with dignity, stability and independence.”