Free face-to-face energy debt support available across the UK
In 2011 the British Gas Energy Trust agreed financial support to 14 independent advice centres in England, Scotland and Wales to establish specialist fuel debt advice services. These Energy Debt Advice Centres offer free face-to-face services from specialist advisors for anyone struggling to pay their energy bills and other essential household bills.
Support with applying to the British Gas Energy Trust
The Centres provide support to apply to the British Gas Energy Trust, which provides grants to individuals and families to clear energy and other essential household debts. Also, in exceptional circumstances, grants for white goods or funeral costs can be provided.
After receiving a grant with the help of Manchester CAB, one client said: “It felt like all our Christmases had come together, it makes us so grateful, nobody has ever helped us before and it seems surreal”
Top tips to avoid energy debt:
• If you’re struggling to pay your bill, talk to your energy supplier so that they can help
• Make sure you’re getting the best deal; if unsure contact your energy supplier
• Check your benefits and make sure you’re receiving your benefit/tax credit entitlements
• Be aware of how much energy you use and investigate if you’re eligible for free home insulation
• Speak to one of the organisations listed above. They can help you with all of the above and a range of other services that may be of use to you
Where are the debt advice centres located?
MONEY MATTERS ADVICE CENTRE
• Orkney Street Enterprise Centre, Unit 1, 18-20 Orkney Street, Glasgow G51 2BX,
• Tel: 0141 445 5221
Website
COVENTRY LAW CENTRE
Oakwood House, St Patricks Road Entrance, Coventry, CV1 2HL
Tel: 02476 223 053
Website
BRADFORD AND AIREDALE CITIZENS ADVICE
Argus Chambers, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1HX
Tel: 03442 451 282
Website
ST HELENS CITIZENS ADVICE
Citizens Advice St Helens, Millennium Centre, Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1HJ
Tel: 01744 737866
Website
MANCHESTER CITIZENS ADVICE
Tel: 0161 672 1234
Website
LOCAL SOLUTION
Mount Vernon Green, Hall Lane, Liverpool L7 8TF
Tel: 0151 709 0990
Website
ST ANN’S ADVICE CENTRE
The Chase Neighbourhood Centre , Robin Hood Chase , St Anns , Nottingham NG3 4EZ
Tel: 0115 950 6867
Website
THE SPEAKEASY
166 Richmond Road, Cardiff, CF24 3BX
Tel: 029 2045 3111
Website
RIVERSIDE ADVICE
41a Lower Cathedral Road, Riverside, Cardiff CF11 6LW
Tel: 029 2034 1577
Website
COMMUNITY LINKS
105 Barking Road, Canning Town, London E16 4HQ
Tel: 020 7473 2270
Website
BROMLEY BY BOW CENTRE
Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s St Bromley by Bow London E3 3BT
Tel: 020 8709 9700
Website
NB The information in this article is accurate as of 8th April 2018
