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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 17 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Manufacturing Industries: Electricity

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to their Department’s press release entitled Government cuts electricity bill for 10,000 manufacturers in boost for UK competitiveness, published on 15 April 2026, what discussions Ministers have had with small and medium-sized manufacturers on their access to and awareness of the scheme.

Answer

The Secretary of State and Ministers have had extensive and ongoing discussions with the manufacturing sector on electricity costs and UK competitiveness, both prior to and following the announcement of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).

Scheme eligibility has been informed by wide stakeholder engagement, including a public consultation that received responses from industry bodies and individual businesses, including SMEs, alongside ministerial and official engagement with industry.

Ministers and officials will continue to engage with businesses to support access to, and awareness of, the scheme and with businesses not eligible for BICS on energy costs and wider competitiveness issues.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
128176
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Electricity Manufacturing industries Prices Small businesses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk