The Lancaster MP has called for extra financial support to be given to Post Offices, to cope with soaring energy bills.
The current Energy Bill Relief Scheme announced in September comes to an end in March 2023. It supports businesses and public sector organisations such as schools and hospitals by providing a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices.
The Government has now announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme from April 2023 to April 2024, with reduced support available to many businesses on a non-domestic contract.
Cat Smith took the matter to the Commons this week, in a debate on the matter.
She asked: ‘’Post Offices provide incredible support to communities, but also to the economic vibrancy of our High Streets.
‘’But they are often on quite a tight turnover, so I just wonder, having heard from many workers in my constituency, including from Forton, Brookhouse and Knott End, whether or not Post Offices would be eligible for the same level of support that they have received until now, because they will be well aware that the headline figures are reduced from what they were.’’
James Cartlidge MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said in response: ‘’The Honourable Lady makes an important point. They are incredibly significant in our communities. Often they can be where you do your banking and shopping.
‘’What I would say it is likely, obviously they are not in the intensive scheme, and obviously the level of support they receive will be less generous, we’re transparent about that, but that’s because there’s a balance to be struck here between continuing a universal level of support, because if you make it universal and if you are to be fiscally responsible, by definition it will be less generous than if you just target narrowly.
‘’There’s more generous support to those sectors exposed to international competition, and at the same time, although less generous, still significant support for the rest of the economy, including post offices.’’
After the debate, Ms Smith said: ‘’In the government’s own words their changes to the energy support package for business is “less generous” and for our Post Offices across Lancashire who are on tight margins this will be really challenging.
‘’I’ve heard from Post Offices in Bowerham, Brookhouse, Forton, Knott End and Fleetwood who have all raised with me concerns about energy prices.
‘’These are vital parts of our economic and social infrastructure and we need to see better protections for Post Offices which so many people rely on.’’
Four arrests made after robberies and burglaries at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster railway station
Ryelands Community Connect initiative aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
Poetry in motion as live workshop comes to Morecambe rail journey
Lancaster pupils highlight school crossing patrol road safety campaign
