The Scottish Gas Energy Trust
has identified the City of Edinburgh as one of the areas it is prioritising in 2006 in order to make grant
assistance to organisations which are working to prevent and alleviate
debt.
The Trust - part of the £10 million British Gas Energy Trust
- operates independently of Scottish Gas, and is a registered charity.
It has two funding streams:
- The Individuals and Families programme helps Scottish
Gas customers who are in arrears with their gas and electricity. It
can also help occasionally with other domestic items.
- The Organisational Grant 2006 programme welcomes
applications from charitable/not-for-profit/voluntary organisations.
Organisations in Edinburgh (and in Dundee/Angus) will be eligible for
support in 2006. Grants will be for up to two years for projects dealing
with the prevention and relief of poverty through educating the public
in relation to debt awareness and prevention, with particular emphasis
on fuel debt. The application deadline is 31 January 2006.
In 2005, the Scottish Gas Energy Trust awarded £50,000 funding over
two years to the East Ayrshire Carers Centre, providing support to carers
in East Ayrshire who are in financial difficulties or debt; and £31,200
to the Drumchapel CAB, for a half-time debt worker to expand current debt
work.
During a visit today to the Scottish Gas HQ in Granton, local MP for Edinburgh
North & Leith, Mr Mark Lazarowicz, welcomed the support being offered
by the Scottish Gas Energy Trust. Mr Lazarowicz said:
"It is important that the public are aware of the schemes that can
help if they find themselves having problems meeting their bills for gas
and electricity. At this time of year, it is essential that people - particularly
the elderly, those with young children, or with a disability - keep their
houses properly heated and can cook their meals. The message that we have
to get over is that if you are facing financial difficulties with these
bills, get advice and help as soon as possible. The schemes from the Scottish
Gas Energy Trust are to be welcomed, and I will certainly be publicising
them to individuals and organisations in my constituency of Edinburgh North
& Leith."
For details of both grant streams and application forms for individuals
and organisations, please see the website: www.scottishgasenergytrust.org.uk |
