“I believe many businesses will still be forced to close” - Sacha Lord wants clarity for hospitality industry as energy support announced

Greater Manchester’s nightlife tsar has called on the government to provide more clarity on the details of the energy support plan announced by Prime Minister Liz Truss earlier today. Sacha Lord has said "its currently unclear what the Government's long-term plan of support is".

The new plans to tackle soaring energy bills across the UK include a cap on domestic bills at £2,500 for the next two years from October, while businesses are to receive an “equivalent guarantee” for the next six months. Expanding on this, the Prime Minister said support will be offered to vulnerable industries, such as hospitality, after the initial six month period.

Truss also said the newly appointed business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng would work with businesses on a review to decide where this support will be targeted. She added that a review would be completed within three months.

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In recent months, Sacha Lord, night-time economy advisor for Greater Manchester, and a long-time supporter of the hospitality industry, has called on the government to provide support packages akin to those offered during the pandemic, to help Greater Manchester operators deal with the cost of living crisis. During the Conservative leadership contest, Lord said that a cut to VAT was needed to keep the industry afloat.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News following today’s announcement, Lord said: “The proposed six-month scheme to help businesses through this energy crisis is a welcome intervention, but it is currently unclear what the Government's long term plan of support is. The UK economy is fuelled by confidence, but with no finalised plan