Chamber Reaction to Energy Bills Discount Scheme for Businesses
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Thomas Lonsdale, Knowledge and Research Executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome the announcement of longer term support from government but fear the overall package is not going to be enough for many businesses already struggling with rising costs.
“In our economic survey undertaken in the final quarter of last year, almost nine out of 10 respondents reported concerns about energy prices.
“It’s good to see manufacturing firms are being given extra support, but we’ve identified other sectors which are not supported to the same extent, such as hospitality and retail, education, housing and health.
“What we need is government to support business initiatives to drive down energy prices and become more energy efficient, as well as investing in energy production in the North East.
“Government should launch green grants and tax incentives to allow businesses to become more energy efficient, 82.2% of organisations surveyed in our QES reported having tried to reduce expenditure on energy.
“Further clarity is still needed if energy prices suddenly rise. Businesses need to know what support would be available and how much the budget would stretch to be able to plan effectively for the future and adapt to the new energy landscape.”