Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of energy costs on the retention of manufacturing jobs in the West Midlands.

The Government recognises that energy costs are an important factor in the competitiveness of manufacturing businesses and in the retention of skilled jobs, including in the West Midlands.

From April 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses in Industrial Strategy growth sectors and their foundational supply chains. In addition, the British Industry Supercharger is already reducing electricity costs for eligible energy- intensive industries in the West Midlands, including in sectors such as brick production, glass production, plastic manufacturing and paper manufacturing.

The Government continues to engage closely with businesses to monitor cost pressures, including those arising from the situation in the Middle East.