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Almost a third of people in Leicester struggling with energy bills feel too embarrassed to seek help

Almost half of people struggling with their energy bills in Leicester have never asked for help, new research has revealed.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), has found 40 per cent have difficulty managing their energy bills, but 47 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that is by turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice.

Picture credit: British Gas

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events across the UK this winter.

The pop-up events offer 1-2-1 confidential practical support from trained specialists about budget planning, energy debt advice and energy efficiency measures, as well as help with accessing energy debt write-off grants including The Trust’s Individuals and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund.

The next pop-up event is taking place in Leicester on the following dates:

  • The Shires Post Office, 65 Shires Walk, High Street, Leicester, 29th January / 4th & 5th February. All sessions run 11am-2pm.

The drop-in events have been held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London so far, with more than 2,500 people seeking support, this includes help with applying for the Warm Home Discount, understanding bills and income maximisation.

Those who have received support already include a man from Edinburgh who sought help for his niece in Lincoln, who had severe mental health difficulties and £900 in energy debt.

Despite not being local, he received advice and resources on her behalf. His niece accessed support from her local Citizens Advice and cleared her debt within seven days. She also received £70 in compensation from her energy supplier for faulty equipment, and had her gas reconnected following it being switched off since August.

When it came to the reasons why people in Leicester don’t seek support, almost half (40 per cent) thought they wouldn’t qualify while 30 per cent cited stigma or embarrassment.

Almost half (43 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter, with 56 per cent citing rising costs as the main concern.

Abi Robins, Director of Responsible Business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available.

“Our British Gas advisors will be on hand to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges and access the range of support we offer – not only for our customers but also people who use other energy suppliers.

“The pop-ups are just one part of how we are supporting customers this winter. Grants, fund money and energy advice services are available through the Trust – with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.”

When speaking to someone about getting support, 26 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation. But 28 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills.

Of those who have previously got help, 29 per cent turned to friends or family, 29 per cent used energy provider payment plans, 25 per cent used Government schemes, and 21 per cent sought financial advice, counselling or consulted charitable organisations.

Over 50 per cent of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs.

Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter.

“These pop-ups, hosted at post offices across the country, provide free, confidential advice directly to communities to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges this winter.

“We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund, both open now, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.

“We’d encourage anyone needing support to come along and find out more at their local pop up.”

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