Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact on steelwork fabricators of products classified under HS code 7308.90 being eligible for support under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme with businesses operating under SIC code 2511 are ineligible.

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. A multi-stage review process was undertaken to assess relevant codes, which included reviewing codes suggested from consultation responses. There is no scope to amend the eligibility criteria of this scheme ahead of the scheme commencing in April 2027.

The Government nevertheless recognises the importance of steelwork fabricators to UK supply chains and remains committed to supporting and strengthening the wider steel sector. In March we published the UK's first ever Steel Strategy, backed by up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the sector and strengthen UK steelmaking.