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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support he plans to provide to small businesses to assist with the cost of living after March 2023.

Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will continue to provide a discount to eligible businesses between April and March 2024. In addition, at the Autumn Statement, my Rt Hon Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £13.6 billion of support for businesses over the next five years, reducing the burden of business rates for SMEs. Furthermore, the Government’s reversal of the National Insurance rise, will save SMEs approximately £4,200 on average, as well the cut to fuel duty for 12 months and raising the Employment Allowance to £5,000.