'Fuel bank' pilot initiative launched

A fuel voucher scheme for families in financial need who have to switch off their electricity or gas supply because they cannot afford energy bills, is to be piloted in 21 locations in County Durham, Kingston-upon-Thames and Gloucester.

Run by charities such as the Trussell Trust and the energy company npower, the "fuel bank" initiative will provide a £49 credit for struggling families who use prepayment meters and are referred to food banks by advice agencies, GPs and social workers.

Source: The Guardian: Fuel banks pilot scheme aims to address austerity-era dilemma of 'heat' or 'eat'

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