NEW ENERGY BILLS SCHEME

At the start of the year, the government announced the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme for UK businesses, charities, and the public sector.

From April 1 2023 to March 31 2024, eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill, and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefitting from lower energy prices. Customers do not need to apply for their discount. As with the current scheme, suppliers will automatically apply reductions to the bills of all eligible non-domestic customers.

UK NMW and NLW increases

The government has announced the rates of the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) for all age groups, which will come into force from April 2023 (so by the time you read this). By doing this, it has adopted all of the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations.

The rates apply from 1 April 2023 and are as follows:

Responding to the announcement, NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert said: ‘We are relieved that the government has answered our call and that the hair and beauty sector will at least receive some support via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. However, many will see the discount swallowed up in the first month or two of the energy price increases they are already facing.’

For more on the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, visit gov.uk/guidance/energybills-discount-scheme