During 2008/09, approximately £10 million (2007/08: £9 million) was invested in support of community initiatives and relationships. Direct donations to charitable organisations amounted to £1.4 million (2007/08: £0.6 million).

The London Benchmarking Group model was used to assess this overall community investment.

In addition to our charitable donations, financial support was provided for our affordable warmth programme, education programmes, university research and our Young Offenders Programme.