140 hospitality businesses in Reading face cost of living cliff edge

140 businesses in Reading are facing a huge £353,895 energy bill increase once Government support is slashed in April, new analysis from the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The analysis shows that the average bill increase per business is likely to be £2,528.

According to official statistics, in Reading there are 140 pubs, restaurants and cafes at risk, facing a rise in energy bills by thousands of pounds.

The Government initially capped the cost of business energy, but from April they are replacing that scheme and will instead just pay a small proportion of businesses' increased costs. This means many pubs, cafes and restaurants will see a 90% cut in help from the government.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the government to think again. Businesses across the country are worried about the high costs they’re facing this year and Ministers need to listen to businesses about the risks they are facing before they withdraw support.

Commenting, Councillor James Moore, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council said:

“Countless businesses in our area are looking down a bleak path this year. Our pubs, restaurants and cafes have endured so much already, people will be devastated to see any more harm to our local high streets.

“The Conservative Government needs to give businesses around here the support they need to endure this energy bill catastrophe.

“Ministers must not wait a moment more. Liberal Democrats are calling for them to intervene and think again about this change - if they don’t we could see thousands of businesses, including pubs, restaurants and cafes going bust. This could rip the heart out of our communities.”