Impact of energy price rise must be tackled now, says Trudy Morris of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Urgent action is required from the Scottish and UK governments to tackle the cost crisis and support businesses, a local business leader says.
After Ofgem announced the new energy price cap would go up to £3549 from October, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is calling on both governments to take heed of its organisation's action plan.
Addressing the challenges now facing businesses and households, Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: “Since the start of 2021, businesses could see this crisis coming and have been consistently telling us that they are facing unsustainable rises in costs.
"The impact of these challenges on businesses, consumers and our communities must be tackled with immediate action.
“The scale of the crisis has reached a tipping point and with so many on the brink, we simply cannot afford any more inaction.
"From the UK government, businesses need to receive emergency support for spiralling costs through grant funding, energy price caps and a reduction in VAT on energy bills. Urgent reform of the Shortage Occupation List is needed immediately to address labour market supply and skills shortages.
“The Scottish Government must also take action within its powers to alleviate the cost burden on businesses and households, including pausing burdensome regulations and providing direct financial support.”
The Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Scottish Government to:
- Provide a business relief package at a similar level of support from the Covid-19 pandemic. This should be aligned with support offered to communities and households.
- Ensure that the Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) Revaluation that is due to take place in 2023 goes ahead as planned, without any further delay.
- Place a moratorium on all policy measures that increase business costs for the remainder of this parliament.
- Pause burdensome regulations such as changes to the non-domestic rates appeals system and new taxes such as the workplace parking levy and tourism tax.
Its calls for the UK Government include:
- Temporary cut in VAT bills to five per cent to reduce spiralling energy costs for businesses and introduction of an SME energy price cap which has also been backed by Scottish Government.
- Covid-style support by introducing Government Emergency Energy Grant for SMEs for the businesses most at risk from the cost emergency.
- Temporarily reverse NICs and put money back into the pockets of businesses and workers.
- Immediately review and reform the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) to help fill talent shortages.