The rising cost of energy is impacting households and businesses across the UK and this Winter, rates are expected to soar even higher

On October 1 2022, the government launched the Energy Bills Relief Scheme, which will provide support with energy costs relief to eligible organisations until at least through to 31st March 2023.

In parallel, the government has also launched a three month review which will identify businesses and organisations most at risk from higher energy costs that will still require support after March 31.

The former PM Liz Truss pledged to keep UK household energy bills under control for two years. However Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has ditched that promise has been ditched after announcing that support can only be guaranteed until April 2023.

The new chancellor said the government would “review” the two-year cap on the unit price of energy to keep annual household gas and electricity bills at no more than £2,500.

BEIS are circulating a questionnaire to non-domestic customers. The questionnaire is designed for private sector organisations on non-domestic energy contracts.

A critical part of this review is gathering direct information from non-domestic customers themselves. The questionnaire can be found on the embedded link below:

The questionnaire will close at 11:55pm on Sunday 30 October 2022.

This is an opportunity to ensure that the early years sector is represented and understood in the review.

This questionnaire includes questions on a range of topics, including, energy costs and usage, other costs and expectations for the months ahead. Responses to this questionnaire will help inform and shape the review of the EBRS.

The NDNA stated that they have been assured that all of the data provided will be treated as confidential and not shared outside of government.

Jonathan Broadbery, director of Policy and Communications at National Day Nurseries Association said: “Our sector is facing significant challenges through underfunding and a workforce crisis. Any support with rising costs is absolutely vital and we do not want to see a cliff-edge next year if energy bills relief stops for the early years sector.

“NDNA has repeatedly called upon the Government to ensure that any support for vulnerable businesses beyond March 2023 also includes the early years sector. The evidence gathered by the government’s questionnaire will help Ministers decide which businesses are vulnerable and need support. It looks at costs other than energy as well as the importance of early years to families and the wider economy. This is an opportunity for providers to ensure that the early years sector is represented and understood in the review.

“We are encouraging everyone to complete the questionnaire to ensure that the needs of the sector are heard and that we receive the ongoing support needed with energy costs.”