Energy bill prices are set to soar in October as the cost-of-living crisis will likely cripple households and trades across the UK, seeing businesses in sectors like hospitality and manufacturing warning that they could be put out to pasture by this coming Autumn if they do not receive the necessary government assistance.
This requisite aid will not be available until parliamentary recess has ended and MPs are recalled to work so that they can pass energy bill measures before prices rise in October. New Prime Minister Liz Truss has pledged a £2,500 annual price cap for households and promised “equivalent” support for businesses, however, there is specific legislation required to secure this aid because there is no existing system like the domestic Ofgem energy price cap for firms.
Parliamentary business has been suspended due to the recent news of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing, with the break expected to coincide with a planned recess for parties to hold their conferences. Due to this, MP’s will not be able to review legislation until the second half of October, leading to hospitality chiefs calling upon the Government to cancel the recess before irreparable damages have been done to the sector.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of industry group UKHospitality, stated:
"This [delay] is because energy plans require legislation - unlike domestic support - and with Parliament going back into recess next week there may be insufficient time to pass it before price hikes take effect from 1 October. This is why it seems ludicrous to go ahead with conference recess."
With some firms such as pubs and takeaway restaurants already being forced into closures due to the revised energy bills, it is currently estimated that without legislation arriving at the appropriate time, as many as 7 out of 10 nightlife venues could have to shut down.
The 10-day parliamentary suspension, accompanied by the conference recess means that MPs are currently not expected to return to work until 17th October.
