Dame Rebecca Harris, Castle Point MP, recently attended an event hosted by British Gas in Parliament to hear more about the support available to households with their energy costs.

British Gas has committed £140 million to help consumers continues to provide the biggest support package ever offered to UK energy customers by a supplier and Dame Rebecca met with them to discuss support available to Castle Point residents. 

The British Gas Energy Trust delivers advice and support services for customers and each year awards millions of pounds in grants which can help households with up to £2,000 in fuel debt, provides emergency energy vouchers, financial assistance payments, white goods and advice to households. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to seek support from the Trust and Rebecca is encouraging all residents to see if they are eligible for help here: britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Dame Rebecca has long campaigned for the uptake of Pension Credit, even more important following the Labour Government’s removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance from the vast majority of pensioners in Castle Point. Those in receipt of the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit or are on very low incomes are also eligible for the Warm Homes Discount – a one-off £150 discount applied directly to people’s energy bills. Currently, only 57 British Gas customers in Castle Point receive this discount and Rebecca is urging residents to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and to share this information with anyone they may know who could apply. Full details can be found here: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Local residents may also be able to join their supplier’s Priority Services Register if you are of state pension age, have a disability or long-term illness, rely on medical equipment in your home or have a young family. This list is not exhaustive so do check with your supplier directly as you may be able to receive a free annual gas safety check, support with moving electricity metres, different bill formats and advanced warnings of events such as planned power cuts.

Dame Rebecca Harris MP said: “Whilst energy costs are lower than last winter I know many households are still struggling with their energy costs, particularly after Labour’s cruel and unnecessary withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. I want to make sure people know about the help that is available to them. I encourage anyone who is struggling to speak directly to their energy supplier and organisations like the British Gas Energy Trust.”

British Gas Engineers Sam 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, Chief Executive of British Gas Energy Trust said: “We understand how lost you can feel if you’re struggling with debt. The British Gas Energy Support Fund was set up to respond to the increasing cost of living. Through the fund, thousands of eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of up to £1,700 have been awarded grants to pay off their debt.”