British Gas has announced that it is making a new investment of £37 million in support for its vulnerable customers.

Ian Peters, Managing Director of British Gas Energy, said: "We know that money is very tight for many people in Britain right now, particularly our elderly, poor and disabled customers.

"That's why we promised to hold our Essentials prices throughout the winter - and it's why today we're announcing this additional one-off payment to provide extra help following the recent extremely cold weather.


"We are also making a further donation of £20 million to the British Gas Energy Trust, to bring direct financial help to many more people who are having difficulty with their household debts. We expect the majority of this assistance to be distributed in 2011 and 2012."

Tom Wright, Chairman of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: "The Trust welcomes this excellent news and the difference the extra funding will make to the Trust's ability to help even more people."

(CD)