Many business owners in Brigg have been concerned about meeting rocketing energy bills, but the Government has now stepped in to offer 'support' to various companies.
North Lincolnshire Council's Leader Coun Rob Waltham (pictured), who lives in Brigg, says this measure will project local jobs, including those in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors. Our town and district has many of these. Schools and charities will also receive assistance.
Ahead of this announcement, a local outlet had already indicated that reduced opening hours would operate from October on certain days of the week.
Coun Waltham and the unitary authority have also commented on help for thousands of pensioners in meeting their energy bills.
FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
Hundreds of jobs will be protected across North Lincolnshire following the announcement of additional support for energy costs for businesses, charities, schools and hospitals.
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme - announced by the Secretary of State for Business - comes alongside the Energy Price Guarantee which was put in place for households and froze average bills at around £2,500, dependent upon usage.
This latest measure comes as gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices.
The announcement has been welcomed, particularly in North Lincolnshire where around 18,000 people work in the manufacturing sector, an energy intensive industry. Some 3,500 people also work in the hospitality sector.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: "This latest announcement will protect jobs here in North Lincolnshire. Global inflation, driven in a large part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was putting many businesses, particularly smaller family firms, in precarious positions.
"It will be welcome news also to charities, schools and health care providers - further protecting jobs in those sectors too. These organisations, as with our many businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, providing employment and opportunity for the people who call North Lincolnshire home."
Through the new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices will be provided for all non-domestic customers - including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals.
The move caps bills at £211 per MWh for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas – less than half the expected cost this winter – and removes green levies. The measures, which will be applied directly to bills, will begin in October and last for six months.
As with the Energy Price Guarantee for households, customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. The discount will automatically be applied to bills.
The move has been welcomed by industry bodies, with the chief executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholls, saying: "This intervention is unprecedented, and it is extremely welcome that Government has listened to hospitality businesses facing an uncertain winter.
"We particularly welcome its inclusiveness – from the smallest companies to the largest - all of which combine to provide a huge number of jobs, which are now much more secure."
FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
Almost 5,000 pensioners in North Lincolnshire will get a share of a huge £500,000 Government cash pot to help with energy costs.
As part of this latest round of support, each pensioner already receiving council tax support will receive £100 cash this month without the need to apply.
It comes on top the £150 council tax energy rebate, the £400 winter payments for every eligible household and for some, the winter fuel allowances.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This cash boost is just the latest measure from the council using Government cash which has put millions of pounds in put into the pockets of people in North Lincolnshire to help deal with global inflation.
“This process is simple, easy and safe - there is no application process, those eligible will get a letter that can be taken to Post Offices to get £100 in cash in their hand."
Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for finance and governance, said: "We know many pensioners are on fixed incomes and rising energy costs can hit them the hardest. This money, along with a whole host of other support measures, will go a long way to help them.
"We have already had millions of pounds from Government to directly help people across North Lincolnshire deal with the rise in energy costs."
All pensioners receiving full or partial council tax support will get the £100. There is no need to pay it back and those living in homes in all council tax bands are eligible. This payment is in addition to the £150 energy rebate.
