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Findings from the British Gas Energy Trust fifth roundtable event

THE BRITISH GAS ENERGY TRUST 20TH ANNIVERSARY ROUNDTABLE PROGRAMME

Date: 26 September 2024

Location: Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle

Objective: To ensure British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) is supporting its local partner organisations as effectively as possible, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities across the UK.

Introducing the event, Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “Our 20th anniversary events are an opportunity to come together and reflect on the actions that have proved effective so far, but also to learn from each other to help inform our strategy for the future. The organisations we partner with have a positive impact on thousands of people’s lives every year, but it is still a challenge to reach some communities.”

Key themes: Speakers from a diverse range of community groups and support organisations gathered to discuss their front-line work to address fuel poverty, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities. They highlighted a range of challenges that are experienced by such communities across the country, which can include low incomes, poor housing, digital exclusion and language barriers. Jabeer Butt OBE, Chief Executive of the Race Equality Foundation, said: “BAME communities are much more likely to experience poverty than their white counterparts and that includes fuel poverty. “While 12% of white communities are in fuel poverty, that rises to 21% among BAME communities. That experience of inequality stretches from childhood into adulthood and old age.”

Observations included:

While front line support groups are often able to access funding, it commonly comes with restrictions on how it can be spent, which can limit its impact. Funding is also awarded for short term projects, which hampers groups’ ability to plan, recruit and operate efficiently. The way funding is awarded to front-line support groups has been consistently raised at all five round table events, with panellists campaigning for less red tape and greater flexibility on how funds can be used.

A number of panellists were keen to flag how language and cultural differences can often exacerbate the challenge of reaching disadvantaged communities. As well as language barriers which can hinder communication, some communities have past experiences and cultural conventions which mean they are reluctant to engage with some support services.

Poor quality housing is a persistent issue for front-line support groups. They flagged how inefficient heating, a lack of insulation and more can exacerbate fuel poverty and prevent practical interventions.

Next steps: The panellists were asked to share strategies and solutions which they believe would prove effective in tackling fuel poverty in disadvantaged communities.

Many people find accessing support intimidating, and providing a friendly face can make the world of difference. Meeting people face to face in their own communities not only makes services more accessible but increases uptake and improves outcomes.

Technology can help make the delivery of support and advice more efficient and effective, but digital exclusion is an issue and some people may need support accessing or using technology, including older people.

By providing more options for customers to communicate with them, energy companies can improve engagement with disadvantages communities, leading to better outcomes.

Ultimately, the way the energy sector operates may need systemic reform in order to create an enduring solution to the fuel poverty issue.

Common themes

This was the fifth in a series of seven roundtables discussions being held around the country, which have so far focused on physical and mental health, young people, rural communities and carers, and several common themes are now emerging:

Read more about the Trusts roundtables here.