40% of people in Inverclyde don't seek help when struggling with bills
More than 40 per cent of people in Inverclyde still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.
Reasons for this include the stigma or embarrassment many still feel is attached to asking for help -something that has increased from 33 per cent to 38 per cent this year.
Others avoid seeking support due to a misguided belief that they won’t qualify (29 per cent), or because they feel the application process is too complicated (17 per cent).
In fact, 44 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 37 per cent last year.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 27 per cent, followed by council tax (25 per cent) and water (17 per cent).
It comes as British Gas Energy Trust and British Gas have partnered with 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain until August 2026.
These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.
Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost-of-living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Inverclyde. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing support schemes, all in a friendly and approachable setting. No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”
According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (15 per cent).
It also found 47 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.
With 56 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.
67 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.
Daniel Barr, Senior Vulnerable Customer Lead at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.
“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”
The Inverclyde drop-in events will run in collaboration with Financial Fitness at their Greenock office on 6th and 7th May, followed by Inverclyde Community Development Trust on 12th and 13th May.
