Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to support UK businesses that supply the NHS with medical devices, medical equipment and services impacted by additional costs in relating to (a) production, (b) distribution and (c) energy.

The Department and NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) recognise challenges faced by suppliers relating to the economic environment and global inflationary pressures. The Government and NHSSC remain committed to working with suppliers within the bounds of contractual agreements, to secure value for money for taxpayers and maintain availability.

With specific reference to energy costs, the Government is dedicated to supporting businesses via the Energy Bill Relief Scheme which provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that eligible non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy costs over the winter period. Following an HM Treasury led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April until March 2024 and continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers.