Wires: Gov't Could Support Businesses Hit By Energy Price Hikes

UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng has stated that the UK gov't is considering a programme to support energy-intensive businesses hit by rising gas and electricity bills.

• Gov't says a consultation has been launched into a support scheme for energy-intensive industries including steel, paper, glass, ceramics, and cement production.
• Gov't: Targeted proposals could mean energy intensive industries receive even more relief on their electricity bill.
• Kwarteng: It is essential that we explore what more we can do to deliver a competitive future for those strategic industries.
• Kwarteng and Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi held talks yesterday with the heads of some of the UK's largest energy firms to discuss how to deliver relief for customers struggling with rising prices, ahead of expected major increases in the energy price cap in the autumn and winter.
• UK gov't facing criticism due to perceived lack of action regarding inflationary pressures facing households, with outgoing PM Boris Johnson refusing to implement support measures before the winner of the Conservative leadership contest is announced and he is replaced in early September.