Energy support for hospitality ‘unsustainably expensive’, says Chancellor

The current level of energy bill support is “unsustainably expensive” and cannot continue at its current rate, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has told business groups.

Energy support for hospitality 'unsustainably expensive', says Chancellor

The £18 million energy relief package for businesses launched in October will come to an end after six months.

Hunt will set out the government’s revised plan to help businesses with energy costs from March this week, but met with business groups last week to discuss the proposed support.

Ahead of the meeting on Wednesday 4 January to discuss ongoing energy support for business, Sacha Lord, the night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, called for “a clear, urgent and defined strategy outlining how business owners across the UK can survive the expected surge in costs”.

Lord said: “Support at its fullest must be maintained for UK companies when the current scheme comes to an end in March to prevent closures, and I urge the Chancellor to understand the depths of the crisis and listen to the swathes of business voices across all industries calling for help.”

But the Chancellor is understood to have told business groups during the meeting that no government would be able to “permanently shield” businesses from rising energy costs, as reported by The Caterer.

UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) were present at the meeting on Wednesday.

Responding to a prediction that prime minister Rishi Sunak is poised to half energy support for businesses, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls tweeted: “This would be absolutely devastating for hospitality sector which has faced average bill increases of 200%+ since April. Vital additional support maintained for [t]hose sectors recognised as vulnerable.”

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin warned that without continued support UK pubs and brewers up and down the country could be “lost for good”, it has been reported.

This article was originally published by the drinks business and has been shared with permission.

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

Unfiltered: James Snowdon

The Edinburgh native and former manager of Fulham’s Harwood Arms co-founded the ultra-popular Edinburgh brasserie with Australian-born Lloyd Morse, previously of Spring. He talks to Douglas Blyde about storing wines and stealing naps in the vault of this former bank, mind-blowing coffee, and “floating about on a cloud of charisma”…

Three in four Brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.

Most Recent Stories

Unfiltered: James Snowdon

The Edinburgh native and former manager of Fulham’s Harwood Arms co-founded the ultra-popular Edinburgh brasserie with Australian-born Lloyd Morse, previously of Spring. He talks to Douglas Blyde about storing wines and stealing naps in the vault of this former bank, mind-blowing coffee, and “floating about on a cloud of charisma”…

Three in four Brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.