An energy industry trade body has reportedly written a draft letter urging the next prime minister to commit taxpayers’ money to help struggling businesses pay their energy bills. The letter from Energy UK suggests a range of measures to support businesses, including deficit funding for suppliers, scrapping VAT from bills, and exemptions from business rates, according to the i.
The publication reports that Energy UK also calls for longer-term measures as it warns of gas prices staying high “well into 2023 and 2024”, for example scrapping green levies for businesses. The industry association suggests a deficit tariff fund for Government-backed loans to energy suppliers to help pay costs and keep bills low.
It is understood that Energy UK will send the letter to the chancellor appointed by the new prime minister next week, although it is subject to change. An Energy UK spokesperson told the PA news agency it has no comment as it is a draft letter that has not been finalised or sent. The letter is to be published after it is sent.
