British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: Food
(asked on 9th October 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if he will review the eligibility criteria of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to include the food and drink industry.
Answered by
Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors within the Industrial Strategy, where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth in its agreed cost envelope. There is no scope to amend the eligibility criteria of this scheme ahead of the scheme commencing in April 2027.
The Government remains committed to supporting the Food and Drink industry. This includes support through the Business Growth Service which brings together advice, guidance and support to help businesses grow. Additionally, the British Business Bank supports access to finance, including through the Growth Guarantee Scheme.