Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that small businesses are able to operate in the context of rising energy costs; and if he will hold discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on tax reductions for small businesses.

The Government recognises the impact rising energy prices is having on small businesses. Extensive engagement continues across government at both ministerial and official level on this situation to understand, and to help mitigate the impacts of, high global energy prices. The Government’s priority is to ensure costs are managed and energy supplies maintained.