Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau secures grant to help tackle fuel poverty

By Helen Le Caplain

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau has been provided with funding to help fight fuel poverty in the area.

The charity, which runs advice centres across Manchester, was awarded £41,393 by the ScottishPower Energy People Trust to help families increase their incomes and provide them with affordable warmth.

Andy Brown, Chief Executive of Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau, said that the money will help them to expand the services they offer.

He said: “We would like to thank ScottishPower Energy People Trust for its support and funding.

“It will enable us to reach more families and work with them to help them manage their finances more effectively.”

Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at ScottishPower and The ScottishPower Energy People Trust’s Company Secretary, said they were happy to support the charity.

She said: “We’re very pleased to support Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and fund its partnership with Children’s Centres as it aims to support the individual needs of more than 300 households in the area.

“Ordinary families are affected by fuel poverty when more than 10% of their income is spent on energy usage.

"We work to create affordable warmth for all and alleviate the causes of poverty through grassroots organisations including the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“The CAB already provides significant help to citizens of Manchester and we’re delighted that with the help of our funding, it will be able to further develop some of this assistance towards alleviating fuel poverty amongst families.”

Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, confidential and impartial advice.

This initiative will provide families with information on how to maximise their incomes through welfare benefits, financial education and debt management advice.

Clients can access the service through individual appointments, drop-in sessions and group work programmes.

For further information about Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau, or to find your local bureau visit www.manchestercab.org.uk

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