Government 's 'broken promises ' bring business uncertainty - Chambers
Businesses are now facing a “difficult and uncertain ” festive period because of the government 's broken promises on energy support, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said today.
And Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) immediately supported the BCC by calling on the government for urgent action on “getting it right ” before current energy measures are due to run out on 20 March.
The BCC 's director general, Shevaun Haviland, said: “Just over a month ago, the chancellor promised businesses that they would receive a plan on the future of the energy support package before the end of the year. With 24 hours left until Parliament rises, businesses have one simple question: 'where is this plan '??
“According to a recent BCC survey, almost half (47 per cent) of UK SMEs said they will find it difficult to pay their energy bills when government support ends.
“Firms deserve far better from government than broken promises for Christmas during these incredibly difficult times. They now face an anxious and uncertain festive period, unable to plan for the New Year.?
“The Government has repeatedly assured us of their commitment to confidence and stability. However, their failure to stick to their promises and provide businesses with the certainty they need does not fill anyone with confidence, nor does it promote stability.
“Government is now left with two options. They can pull a rabbit out of the hat and come up with a plan before they break for Christmas. Or they must explain why they are leaving businesses in the dark.
“Without a clear plan before January, many businesses will be left vulnerable to extortionate prices at the end of March, especially SMEs and energy intensive businesses.?Those businesses will have no choice but to start preparing their?workforce for potential redundancies, leaving employees vulnerable and weakening the economy further.
“Now more than ever, we need to provide businesses with confidence so they can invest, grow and power the much-needed recovery of the UK economy in the months ahead. ”
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), the GBCC 's chief executive, said: "I cannot stress enough just how critical it is that the Government gets it right on energy support. And how urgent it is that businesses receive answers on what to plan for from the end of March when current energy measures are set to run out - in just three months' time.
"The difference between current levels of support and no support at all, could mean the difference between being in or out of businesses for the most impacted employers.
"Businesses need clarity on what to plan for and the essential support from Government to enable them to protect jobs and the economy. Despite a challenging set of economic circumstances there remains significant positivity and appetite for growth among businesses in the region.
"We will continue to work with, and support, the British Chambers of Commerce in calling for urgent action to ensure our incredibly resilient business community is given the best opportunity to succeed."