Ross-shire businesses 'on the brink' with winter shutdown on cards for some over energy crisis amid fears about eye-watering rises
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BUSINESSES in Ross-shire are considering closing in response to spiralling energy prices, according to a local MSP.
With recent predictions indicating that the energy price cap will rise to just under £4000 by the end of the year, some businesses have been telling MSP Maree Todd they could be left teetering on the brink.
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She said:“Throughout my tour of the constituency this summer, I have been hearing repeatedly of local businesses who are considering closing their doors this winter due to soaring energy prices.
“In the Highlands, much of our hospitality venues are traditional, older buildings which are notoriously expensive to heat at the best of times, particularly so in our region where we are subjected to higher energy costs compared to other areas of Scotland and the UK.
“The vast increase in energy costs will simply cripple these businesses, many of which are just trying to bounce back after an exceptionally tough period due to Covid-19.
“After all the hard work that has gone into extending the tourist season and providing year-round work and encouraging people to consider careers in hospitality rather than summer jobs, it’s devastating that these efforts will be undone due to an unaffordable hike in energy prices and the UK Government’s failure to provide meaningful support.”
Recent data has shown that out of 408 local authorities in the UK, the Highland Council came out as the 19th most expensive local authority area in terms of energy bills.
The MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross added: “It is frightening that in these unprecedented times, the UK government is sitting on its hands. We cannot wait until the Tory leadership contest concludes, this is a crisis and people and businesses need help now.
“I back my colleagues in Westminster who are calling for an immediate recall of parliament to introduce an emergency budget. With businesses on the brink, the UK government must act now to increase the financial support available to businesses and households.”
The SNP are calling for an emergency budget to include a business energy cap, small business energy grants and to lower energy prices and help small businesses pay their bills.
If you are a business in Ross-shire sharing this predicament, get in touch and let us know if you back these propoposals. Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
