Paused fuel duty hike ‘a step forward’ but energy cost support for business cannot wait

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

The East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed Government’s announcement to shelve plans to increase fuel duty from September but called for greater action to help business navigating high costs.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Holding off on the long-trailed 5p fuel duty increase for the rest of the year is a step forward and will be welcome news to motorists – for a bit. Not unlike the temporary sticking plaster approach we saw with business rates relief earlier in the year, though, the anxiety is still just arms-length away, while business tries to wade through so many other high costs.

“What we need are long term solutions that give business the assurance needed to unlock investment decisions. What we cannot have is stalled investment. Energy cost relief packages need to be widened and made accessible to more, business rates need urgent reform and high unemployment must be addressed through skills investment and innovation, to help employers find training and apprenticeship programmes.

“The Chamber’s Framework for Growth underlines policy asks on energy rate relief and business rates; skills; infrastructure; planning and devolution. These are among the support areas that I urge policymakers to now prioritise and deliver, while business navigates such tough headwinds.”