UK pubs and restaurants plead for government action on energy as bills soar 81%

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Last month, analysis of official government data by the commercial real estate specialist Altus Group found more than 150 pubs have disappeared for good from English and Welsh communities over the first three months of 2023, representing a 60 per cent jump on levels from last year. “The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provided a short respite but with that falling away last month businesses are back to paying high costs, with no end in sight for the thousands locked into contracts who will be obligated to pay extortionate rates well into next year. “Left unresolved it will have a lasting wider impact long into the future, impacting local employment, supply chains and removing essential community hubs from villages, towns and cities across the whole of the UK.” A government spokeswoman said: “We acted swiftly to provide businesses, including the hospitality sector, with an unprecedented package of support. “We are also assisting the hospitality sector with support such as freezing of alcohol duty, cutting energy bills, a £13.6bn business rates relief package and a £2.4bn fuel duty cut.”