Businesses in Scotland have warned Liz Truss that her proposal to assist them in paying their energy costs could not be sufficient to stop a “tsunami” of closures.
The average annual household energy expense will be capped by the prime minister at £2,500 for two years, with businesses receiving “similar support.”
But the lack of clarification from Westminster has been criticized by hospitality executives facing skyrocketing costs.
The government is adamant that its plan would accelerate economic growth.
Businesses will have their energy expenditures capped at the same rate per unit that consumers will pay under the new plans, along with nonprofit organizations and public buildings.
The commercial program is scheduled to last for six months and will be reviewed after three, at which time specific help for some industries that are thought to be particularly vulnerable may be provided.
Owners of Scottish hotels and restaurants, meanwhile, told BBC Scotland that Ms. Truss’s statement lacked sufficient specifics.
Billy Gold, the proprietor of the Heilen Jessie bar in Glasgow’s east end, has experienced a 600% spike in only standing charges.
He proclaimed that the UK government’s plans would be insufficient to avert the disaster that his family firm is currently experiencing.
To claim that businesses will receive equal assistance, in my opinion, is quite unclear, Mr. Gold added.
I’m sorry Liz, but if that implies “see how well I’ve done, things won’t go any higher,” things are already too high and my business, like many businesses, is doing well.
The bartender said that spiraling maintain a steady business, he would need to raise turnover and charge £8.40 for a pint of his cheapest lager.
He told the BBC, “You don’t need to be Alan Sugar to figure out it isn’t going to happen.
Small and medium-sized businesses, which Mr. Gold referred to as the “lifeblood” of the economy, may have to start cutting their 11 local employees.
He said, “I don’t even want to say it, but if I have to do it I have no option.
Even though I would hate to be the one forced to carry out that task, I will do it if I have to.
“But without employees, a business cannot be operated. After that, you’re in a spiraling downward falling race.”
The Singl-end cafe and bakehouses in Glasgow’s Paul Banham claimed the prime minister’s statement had caused misunderstanding.
I don’t know what will happen if I signed a contract two months ago; will the price cap still apply to that, he said to the BBC.
To provide more specialized assistance, there is also talk of conducting a sector-specific study over the next months.
The hospitality sector might contend that Covid provided some targeted assistance; thus, why can’t part of that assistance be implemented right away? Why is there a three-month delay required?
Many businesses won’t be able to survive while they wait, Mr. Banham continued.
He claimed that to help ailing hospitality businesses, reduced VAT and business rates would also be necessary.
A price cap, he claimed, is a fundamental place to start to halt the impending wave of business closures.
Operators are being pushed to the limit “every week that goes by, every month that goes by.”
The owner of Christie the Baker in Airdrie, Andrew Chisholm, is likewise awaiting more information from the government.
It’s just speculation, he declared. No one is providing me with specific numbers based on what we heard this morning.
“The devil is still in the details,” someone said.
Under Ms. Truss’s recommendations, his company would experience a 600% spike in gas expenses and a subsequent 200% increase in electricity rates.
Future gas prices “will not be sustainably high,” he continued.
“I still believe that operating this business over the next 12 months will be very, very challenging.”
‘Cliff edge’
One in six small businesses is expected to close, be sold, or downsize in the upcoming year, according to a warning from the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland.
Ms. Truss’s declaration was “warmly welcomed,” according to policy chair Andrew McRae, who also noted that “we do need more explanation” and that “we’ll be working with the new government to clarify what happens next.”
The six-month lifeline that helps businesses get through the winter is essential, but it must not lead to a cliff edge where enterprises are hit even harder in the spring.
According to the UK government, its price restriction will spur economic expansion and reduce inflation by as much as 5%.
“Extraordinary problems call for extraordinary solutions, ensuring that the United Kingdom is never in this scenario again,” Ms. Truss said in a statement to the House of Commons.
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