British Gas has announced a £40million funding package to support households struggling with rising energy bills.
The supplier will provide £8million per year over the next five years to the British Gas Energy Trust, which delivers support through community outreach programmes across England, Scotland and Wales.
Demand for assistance remains elevated as families continue to manage higher bills and wider cost‑of‑living pressures.
Support includes grants to help cover energy costs and reduce debt, alongside emergency fuel vouchers for households needing immediate assistance.
The scheme also funds essential household appliances, with families able to apply for help replacing items such as fridges, cookers and washing machines.
The additional funding will expand the Trust’s existing programmes, including support for people facing rising energy costs, debt and broader financial challenges.
The Trust is also planning changes to how it distributes support.
Its Supporting Communities At Risk Programme will be restructured to focus on longer‑term assistance, with partner charities and community organisations moving to three‑year funding agreements from April 2027.
British Gas unveils £40million support package
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This replaces shorter‑term arrangements and is intended to provide greater financial certainty for frontline services, improve long‑term planning and increase the number of households reached.
Over the next year, the Trust will work with sector partners to identify areas of highest demand to help determine how funding can be allocated most effectively.
Tracey Talbot, interim CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: “This £40million commitment comes at a critical time for many households who are still struggling to keep up with energy costs.”
She added that multi‑year funding would give organisations “the stability they need to plan ahead and deliver deeper, more sustained support in their communities.”
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The Trust confirmed that support is available regardless of energy supplier, and households do not need to be British Gas customers to apply
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Gary Booker, Managing Director at British Gas, said tackling energy debt and fuel poverty “remains a major priority” and that the Trust is committed to working with partners “to make a real difference for those who need it most.”
The guidance comes as households brace for another rise in typical annual bills from July.
Consumer groups have welcomed the additional support but warned that many families remain at risk of falling into energy debt.
Ministers continue to face pressure to expand existing assistance schemes as living costs remain elevated across the UK.