COST OF LIVING CRISIS: 'Sigh of relief' among small businesses pushed to brink in Highlands and Islands following announcement by Prime Minister Liz Truss on energy bills - but more support needed
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There will be a sigh of relief among worried businesses in the Highlands following today's announcement by the Prime Minister about support for energy bills.
But more detail is needed before a proper judgement can be made.
That is the response from David Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Mr Richardson said: "I have been in constant conversation with very worried members right across the Highlands and Islands of late, and there’s no doubt that the inclusion of businesses in the UK Government’s plans to help on energy costs will bring a sigh of relief to the many pushed to the brink by the crippling energy bills, let alone the increases coming down the tracks towards them," he said.
"Businesses desperately need a lifeline that will protect them, the jobs they provide and the communities they support, for all are at risk.
"However, we will need to see more detail added to today’s headline announcements before we can properly judge the value of what is being offered.
"Businesses throughout Inverness and the wider Highlands need to know what it all means for them in practice.
"Clearly, this energy crisis is not going to go away any time soon, and FSB argues that much more needs to be done by the UK Government to support smaller businesses, including giving them the same two-year cap received by domestic consumers – businesses need certainty and six months is not enough. "
Mr Richardson said members wanted to see the forthcoming hike in National Insurance contributions reversed, and VAT, especially on non-domestic energy, and fuel duty cut.
"Energy companies should also be prevented from disconnecting businesses who can’t pay over the winter, and from charging disproportionate up-front prices," he said.
"Locally, we want the Scottish Government to use the underspend in covid business support grant money to support businesses until what we hope will be an easier spring – a really tough winter awaits."
