Independent retailers are calling on the government to extend the £350 help packages for households, to small businesses to better support those who are struggling with rising energy costs.

Yesterday chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a payment of £350 to help UK households cope with a rise in energy bills.

The move comes after Ofgem revealed that the new energy bill price cap will rise by 54% from April, meaning households could see they energy prices rise by £693 a year after Ofgem announced the hike of the price cap on bills to £1,971.

Soaring energy costs will force retailers to close stores

NFRN national president Narinder Randhawa emphasised the necessity of supporting small businesses during these times, “Our 11,000 members are facing a string of cost hikes in April, with increases to minimum wage rates and national insurance contributions, the reintroduction of business rates, and now rocketing gas and electricity bills.

“To satisfy customer demand and to keep everyone safe, our members’ stores contain chillers, freezers, EPoS, bright lighting and CCTV. As each year passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to cut these costs.”

The NFRN will be writing to Rishi Sunak to ask him not to turn his back on independent retailers, providing support as bills continue to increase.

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