Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extending energy cost support for hospitality businesses.

The Government recognises the pressures that energy costs can place on hospitality businesses. We engage regularly with colleagues across Government, including HM Treasury, on measures to support businesses, including the hospitality sector and we keep the impact of energy prices on businesses under close review.

The Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, and the interim CEO of Ofgem, Tim Jarvis, have written to business energy suppliers setting clear expectations that customers, particularly small businesses, must be treated fairly. The letter makes clear that any unfair practices will not be tolerated, and that suppliers should take a fair and supportive approach, offering maximum flexibility and transparency for small businesses.

The Government also plans to legislate on Third Party Intermediaries, including energy brokers, through the forthcoming Energy Independence Bill to strengthen protections for SMEs.