Maree Todd warns businesses are 'on the brink' over crippling energy costs
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Maree Todd has warned that many businesses across her Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency could be "crippled" by the rising cost of energy.
The SNP MSP is worried about potential closures over the coming months, following predictions that the energy price cap will rise to just under £4000 by the start of next year.
“Throughout my tour of the constituency this summer, I have been hearing repeatedly of local businesses that are considering closing their doors this winter due to soaring energy prices," Ms Todd said.
“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 with 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.”
Ms Todd pointed to recent data showing that, out of 408 local authorities in the UK, Highland Council was the 19th most expensive local authority area in terms of energy bills.
She 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 is calling for an emergency budget to include a business energy cap, small business energy grants and lower energy prices.
