The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that businesses will see an 85% decrease in government support when the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) ends on Saturday.
Business leaders are warning that many companies will struggle to pay their energy bills and the BCC are calling for targeted help to those who will “desperately” need the support.
Alex Veitch, director of policy and public affairs at the BCC said, “We have been signalling for months that many businesses will struggle to afford their energy bills when the financial envelope of support reduces by 85%, with many receiving a fraction of their original support.
“Almost half of firms say paying bills will be difficult from tomorrow onwards, but of the seven energy policies we advocated for the Government to include in this month’s spring Budget, not one was acted upon.
“Flexibility to increase support for those who desperately need it – ignored. Easing the burden of claiming VAT on energy – ignored. Funding for improved business energy efficiency – ignored. And so the list goes on.
“Government also failed to heed our calls to increase regulation of the business energy sector.”
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