MORE support is needed for businesses under pressure with the hike in energy costs says Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols.
The Government has announced it plans to cut business energy support from March affecting hundreds of businesses across Warrington.
Charlotte said: “Chatting to residents and business owners it’s clear more support is needed, our local businesses are struggling.
“After 13 years of neglecting the economy, the Tories are offering sticking plasters when we need full surgery to fix the problems that they are responsible for.
“Our schools, hospitals, and charities are facing rising costs. These organisations simply can’t put their prices up.
“The Government should be doing more to ensure our country’s energy security and reduce our overexposure to the volatile international energy market.
“The Government has refused to act in the past and we are now paying the price for their failures that are punishing hardworking families here in Warrington North.”
The cut back “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” will reduce the amount of support available to businesses as it no longer caps the price of energy, instead offering a discount only when prices exceed a certain threshold.
However, it isn’t just businesses that face the threat from rising bills; hospitals, schools and charities could also see bills increase as a result.
The scheme, only expected to last 12 months, is described by the Treasury as “Transitional” and aims to avoid a cliff edge for non-domestic customers this Spring. Unfortunately, the discount drastically reduces the amount of support available to small businesses versus the old guarantee.
The Government confirmed some energy-intensive businesses will receive a larger discount, but this does not apply to schools and hospitals who are facing additional cost pressures due to inflation, meaning headteachers and hospital chiefs will have to continue to make tough decisions.
