New energy relief package for businesses just papering over 'seismic cracks', says MSP
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THE package of measures unveiled to help businesses cope with massive energy price hikes has been condemned as an attempt to paper over "seismic cracks".
The UK government have confirmed that through their Energy Bill Relief Scheme, prices will be capped for firms for the next six months.
As well as struggling businesses the cap will also apply to hospitals, schools, charities, churches and other settings like community halls.
The scheme will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after April 1, 2022 and apply to energy usage from October 1 to March 31, 2023. The UK government have committed to a review of the scheme within three months to give an early indication on whether further support will be needed beyond March next year.
However, Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam claimed that the package was doing nothing more than "plastering over seismic cracks".
She commented: "Instead of focusing on addressing the UK government’s self-inflicted cost of living crisis, the Conservative Party put internal leadership elections first – pausing governance over the nation for five weeks.
"These set of measures are lacking in basic support and I urge the UK government to listen to the SNP’s constructive suggestions which will provide instant relief for businesses and individuals.
“There are quite profound cash flow issues that is facing the business community. Unfortunately, the recent measures from the UK government are only plastering over the seismic cracks in the economic response. We have a right-wing government that are making a political choice to protect banker bonuses and those with astronomical personal wealth over people who can’t heat their homes, businesses that are closing their doors, and struggling organisations.
“Scotland deserves better. We are an energy rich nation held back by Westminster mismanagement of what belongs to us, our own natural resources. Independence is the natural way to respond to the mess that we are in which is not of our making. At this moment in time businesses need certainty, after the five-week wait we were made to endure to choose the next Prime Minister, this is an underwhelming response to a very serious issue facing our country.”
The scheme was warmly welcomed by Scottish Conservative leader and Moray MP Douglas Ross.
He commented: “The UK government have acted decisively and listened closely to the concerns raised by businesses and other organisations across Moray and the whole country who have been struggling with ever-increasing energy bills.
“The huge package of support confirmed by the UK government gives businesses in Moray as well as places like hospitals, schools, churches and community halls reassurance and welcome relief that their bills will be capped for the next six months.
“The global cost-of-living crisis and Vladimir Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine have meant costs have soared for them in recent months but the UK Conservative government have stepped up and showed that they are on their side over this difficult period.
“These organisations and businesses are at the heart of the community in Moray and it would have been devastating to see them close their doors.
“While ultimately they will still be facing many tough challenges in the coming months, this will give them some breathing space as they look to make their businesses a success or keep vital local services operating at full capacity.
