Riverside Advice has recently been awarded a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust to offer support with money management and guidance on how to reduce and prevent fuel debt.
As part of the project, Dale Mills has been employed full time to provide specialist debt advice face to face, online, over the telephone and at home.
The advisors will help with applications to the British Gas Energy Trust, which gives grants to individuals and families who have fallen into arrears with energy and other household bills.
Speaking at the launch of the project, Kevin Brennan MP said, "Sadly more and more people are finding it difficult to pay their energy bills in this economic climate as the UK Government continue to cut and energy prices rise.
“It is pleasing to see one of the major energy companies recognise this difficulty and join forces with the excellent Riverside Advice Centre in providing an important opportunity for people to seek debt advice.
“I do think more energy companies need to take more responsibility for their actions as they are often quick to increase prices when their wholesale costs rise but not to reduce them when their costs decrease.
Barbara Kerridge of Riverside Advice said, “Since we have teamed up with British Gas the specialist fuel debt team have helped many people in Cardiff who are struggling to pay their bills . We have seen a sharp increase in enquiries from clients about fuel debt over the past few months and we are delighted to be able to refer people to the British Gas Energy Trust.”
Lynda Campbell of British Gas Cardiff said, "We know that many families and businesses in Cardiff are feeling the pinch of recession. This is why we want to bring more support to people in their local communities and help them cope in these difficult times. Our advice service is open to everyone who is worried about their finances – not only British Gas customers.
“There are many reasons why people fall into debt, and it’s important to spot the signs early on and offer support before the situation gets out of control. Last year British Gas helped more than a million customers with their bills, and in January this year we committed an extra £20 million to the British Gas Energy Trust to help people who are struggling with all their household bills.”
Over three million people in the UK are already behind on debt repayments and a further three million are at risk of falling into debt. Among the most common debt problems are credit and store cards along with unsecured personal loans.
For more information on how to apply for a grant via the British Gas Energy Trust, visit www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk or 0800 107 5793.
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