Labour-run Nottingham City Council must find an another £3.6m to pay energy bills amid soaring costs. The extra spending was discussed during an Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, December 20, where a Labour councillor described the situation as “frightening”.
Businesses and local authorities are not covered by an energy price cap like households, and instead the Government provides discounts via an Energy Bill Relief Scheme. It provides discounted rates for a period of time and the support is currently under review due to significant costs, prompting concern from businesses across the country.
The change in stance from a price cap to a price discount came in the Government’s autumn statement. Nottingham City Council says it is therefore paying more because there is no upper limit on bills, and it must find ways to save on energy elsewhere.
