British Gas ‘Stay Warm This Winter’ drop-in session at Westminster

Jessica Taplin, CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, attended the British Gas Stay Warm This Winter drop-in session for MPs at Westminster on 8^th November 2023.

With reports indicating just over a quarter (27%) of adults in Britain are struggling with their mental health because of the cost-of-living crisis, this session was to help members of parliament understand what support is available for their constituents this coming winter. British Gas engineers were on hand to offer practical advice and energy efficiency tips, whilst Jessica Taplin spoke about the Trust’s energy support grants currently open, as well as the assistance available through the Trust’s funded organisations.

The Trust funds over 45 projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, to offer independent money and energy advice to communities in need, ensuring money and energy provision is reaching some of the most at risk groups across Britain. The Trusts support funds provide energy write-off grants of up to £1,500 to customers of any energy company. Since its creation, it has invested over £175.8 million in helping more than 700,000 people manage their energy costs.*

British Gas engineers Alex Dewart and Isaura Johnston said:
“As engineers visiting customer homes, we know households are facing tough times. There is help available and people should contact their energy supplier to make sure they’re receiving support – whether that is being added to the Priority Services Register or accessing grants, like those available through the British Gas Energy Trust.”

Jessica Taplin said:
“I welcomed the invitation to support British Gas at their parliamentary drop-in session earlier this month. With over 40% of people already dreading the winter and the subsequent increase in bills, sharing information directly with MPs about what the Trust can offer their constituents was invaluable. Not only does the Trust provide help through nationwide energy debt write-off grants for those at risk of, or in, fuel poverty, it also funds over 50 money and energy advice projects in organisations and charities at the heart of communities all over Britain. By providing MPs with these details, they can direct those within their constituency to the help and support they need. We would be happy to carry on working with any members of parliament who would like to signpost their constituents to the Trust’s support”

The drop-in session was well attended, with around 25 MPs taking Winter Packs away with them, which contained energy tips, information on British Gas schemes and leaflets about the support available from British Gas Energy Trust.

[Jessica Taplin, Bill Wiggin MP for North Herefordshire and British Gas Engineer Alex Dewart at the Stay Warm This Winter drop-in session]

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*  Figures are based on historic records and sources, some of which are not audited accounts.