4 January 2023
The Greens have urged the government not to reduce the support it provides businesses towards their energy costs, but to use it to incentivise the shift to renewables and energy efficiency.
As the government prepares to announce changes to the support it provides businesses for energy costs [1], Green Party co–leader Carla Denyer said:
“Businesses up and down the country are facing the very real prospect of having to go out of operation because of the multiple crises they are facing due to a failing economy. Now is not the time to reduce support, putting so many jobs, livelihoods and local services at risk.
“Instead, the government should be offering the right package of incentives to help businesses through this cost of living crisis and build a more sustainable future for all. The energy crisis we are seeing is not just a result of this winter, or even the war in Ukraine, but is a consequence of the wider climate crisis, which our government is failing to act upon.
“Businesses tell our councillors all over England and Wales that they want help to become more green by insulating their properties and shifting to renewables.
“The government could use the energy support scheme to help make this happen by incentivising businesses to use renewable energy providers, providing insulation grants, and removing the current perverse incentive where businesses can be punished with increased business rates if they make their buildings more energy efficient.
“Small and independent businesses and enterprises are the lifeblood of local communities and we want to see them thrive as part of a greener, fairer future.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64155064
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
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