Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the economic effect of the rise in (a) fuel and (b) energy costs on small businesses.

Businesses are experiencing increased costs driven by global events. One of these extra costs is fuel. At Spring Statement, we announced a 12-month cut to duty on petrol and diesel of 5p per litre, for the benefit of businesses as well as individuals. More broadly, we are helping SMEs through tax cuts to national insurance and business rates.