The reopening of Individuals and Families Fund will be welcomed by many, at a time when changes to the Winter Fuel Payments mean an estimated 10 million elderly people are no longer eligible for this form of state support.

Only pensioners in England and Wales who are in receipt of any one of Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Universal Credit will receive a winter fuel payment of between £100 and £300, subject to eligibility conditions.

In 2023-24, the Trust was able to support over 5,300 households with more than £7.8m in energy debt grants, with over £320,000 provided to those in Scotland.

Chief executive officer of the Trust Jessica Taplin said: “We encourage applications to the Individuals and Families Fund from anyone that needs support with their energy debt. The change in eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payments, coupled with the energy price cap increase from October, means more people might find themselves struggling with their bills as we head towards winter. This fund will help us support as many eligible households as possible across Britain, whether British Gas customer or otherwise.”

As part of its support package, the Trust also funds nine money and energy advice projects in community-based charities and social enterprises across Scotland. These projects provide clients with free and impartial advice on things such as budget planning, benefits and income maximisation checks, energy efficiency measures and generalist subjects such as housing, employment and mental health support.