Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when his Department plans to publish the criteria which will be used to review the energy support provided to businesses after April 2023.

Through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS), the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic consumers (including UK businesses, the voluntary and public sectors).

This is a temporary measure that will protect them from soaring energy costs and provide them with the certainty they need to plan through the acute crisis this winter. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The current support to non-domestic consumers is time-limited and exceptional so they can manage through an acute winter and provides time for them to adjust their operating models. It is the Government’s intention that after this winter support targets only the most vulnerable businesses. A Treasury-led review will consider how best to deliver these objectives.

As part of the review, we will ensure that all relevant considerations are taken into account.