Thousands of small businesses are going to struggle as they are receiving “insufficient” help with their energy bills.
Businesses have welcomed the new 12-month support package, but they are questioning the level of support and post-March they are worried.
Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, said, “Businesses were hoping to receive reassurance that post-March things would become more manageable, but it is hard to see how the latest announcement will do that.
“Small businesses therefore are rightly concerned that the already insufficient energy package is being rolled back significantly in just a couple of months’ time.”
Cornwall Insight chief executive Gareth Miller said, “The thresholds set for support under the EBDS (Energy Bills Discount Scheme) versus the support previously offered mean businesses will have to take a lot more energy price pain before any medicine is administered.
“As a result, we already see the EBDS being poorly received by some businesses and their trade associations.”
A typical pub which was receiving £3,100 every month from the government will now only receive £190 and this enormous hit “will simply be unsustainable for many.”
UKHospitality chief Kate Nicholls warned, “With no further, dedicated support for a vulnerable sector like hospitality, I’d urge the Government to consider other measures it can take to help the sector.”
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