Bittersweet milestone as 200th Centre for Warmth set to open offering support for those in fuel poverty

A nationwide programme, developed by Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, to confront cost of living challenges, has reached a major milestone, with the opening of its 200th Centre for Warmth.

The Centres for Warmth programme has delivered practical and hands-on support to thousands of low-income households since it was established in 2021 when living costs started to soar. Cadent has invested over £4.3m in the centres, which are located in community buildings across the UK and directly fund financial, benefit and energy experts to help local residents.

Thousands of customers, who have struggled to pay for essentials like food and energy bills, have received help and money management advice totalling over £325 million so far, with the average benefit/saving sitting at roughly £2,500. The announcement comes as insights from Cadent shows almost 7 in 10 (68%) low-income households are more worried about higher living costs than they were last year. As the UK endures another tough winter, Cadent is inviting more community centres in the UK to apply for funding. The money, provided by the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) and allocated to Cadent by Ofgem, is used to help people meet basic and immediate needs, whether it’s food, warmth or shelter. Cadent is also working to address long-term issues impacting communities, including both physical and mental health, employment, money-management and access to safe, adequate housing.

Mark Belmega, Director of Social Purpose and Sustainability at Cadent, said: “When we first established the Centres for Warmth programme, we knew there was going to be a need for additional support and we wanted to be there to meet it. “It was an incredibly simple idea – to support more customers by meeting them in their own communities – but the impact was immediately apparent and as long as the need and the funding is there, we will continue to roll the programme out further. “Whilst the programme has proven highly effective, reaching this milestone is bittersweet. Although we are proud to have helped so many customers in our network, we are acutely aware that our Centres for Warmth only exist because people have fallen on tough times. “Whilst the cost of living remains high and this continues to be the case, our Centres for Warmth will endeavour to make a difference to those who need it.”