It highlighted that over the 2023/24 period, £6.9 million in client energy debt was written off and £25.8m was debt managed.

At the same time, over 5,300 households were supported with energy debt relief grants totalling £7.8m.

More than £28m was gained in client income through benefits checks and income maximisation services and the trust delivered 25,000+ in-depth holistic support sessions across projects.

In the past year alone, the Trust provided over £16.3m in support, directly assisting more than 64,000 clients through four programmes: debt relief grants which can help households with up to £2,000 in fuel debt; a small grants programme that provides emergency energy vouchers, financial assistance payments and white goods; and a programme that funds over 40 money and energy advice projects throughout Britain.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Trust has invested nearly £200m, helping over 700,000 people manage energy costs, improve financial stability, and enhance well-being

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the Trust, said: “The Trust’s work remains critical as cost-of-living challenges continue to impact millions. Our commitment to investing in communities, supporting individuals, and empowering local organisations has never been more important. This year’s £20m funding commitment from British Gas ensures we can continue this vital work in the years ahead. With nearly nine million households in the UK now living in fuel poverty, our mission to provide practical help alongside holistic, person-centred support is more crucial than ever. The positive changes we see in people’s lives inspire us to deepen our impact and tackle barriers to financial stability.”

The Trust’s work targets vulnerable groups who are often overlooked or face additional barriers to accessing support. Beneficiaries include individuals with disabilities, who may have higher energy needs due to medical equipment or limited mobility; lone parents juggling tight budgets and childcare responsibilities; and families with young children or those supporting elderly relatives. Additionally, the Trust supports those struggling to navigate the complexities of the benefits system, ensuring they receive the full entitlements to which they are eligible. 

Last year the trust delivered the following:

Income Maximisation:

• £28.2m gained in client income through benefits checks and income maximisation services.
• 40,321 benefits and income checks conducted.

Emergency Assistance:

• £2.4m in emergency fuel vouchers distributed.
• 568 households supported through white goods grants, valued at £256,000

Holistic Client Support:

• 25,285 clients received in-depth holistic support, including tailored advice, budgeting help, and energy efficiency guidance.
• 13,400 budget plans created, and 12,981 home energy surveys conducted.

Education and Outreach:

• 10,434 clients attended workshops or education sessions.
• 119,448 hours of casework support provided.

This targeted approach ensures not only immediate relief through grants, debt write-offs but also holistic support aimed at long-term financial stability and improved quality of life for those most in need. Recent analysis of the Trust’s funded organisation’s client data showed that out of the 185 postcode areas where the projects operated, 65% fell within the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) levels 1-5, the most deprived communities across Britain. Among the remaining areas we were able to delve deeper and identify specific pockets of deprivation allowing the Trust to target pockets of need in seemingly affluent areas.

The Trust aims to further innovate in its approach, using data-driven insights to address emerging challenges and expanding partnerships with local organisations. The report underscores the need for continued collaboration to reduce fuel poverty sustainably over the next decade.