Seven out of 10 pubs could close this winter unless they get urgent government support to combat soaring energy bills, Parklife and Warehouse Project founder Sacha Lord has said.
Greater Manchester's night time economy advisor said hospitality businesses were currently 'sat in limbo' ahead of a planned Government announcement.
Mr Lord has called on Prime Minister Liz Truss to share a long-term support plan for businesses after she announced a sixth month support pledge. The new plans to tackle soaring energy bills across the UK include a cap on domestic, household bills at £2,500 for the next two years from October while businesses are to receive an 'equivalent guarantee', but only for half a year.
READ MORE: "We're going to see a lot of places closing over the next year": Fears for Manchester's hospitality industry
The Prime Minister confirmed a 'fiscal event' to set out Government funding for a set of major interventions in the cost-of-living crisis will still take place this month.
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is due to give specifics of how the plan will be funded during the emergency fiscal announcement, but its expected business support would only last for six months. No date has yet been set for the 'fiscal event', which is not expected until after the Queen’s funeral.
Under the Government’s 'energy price guarantee', bills for the average household will go no higher than £2,500 at any point over the next two years. It will save a typical home around £1,000 from October 1, when the current consumer price cap had been set to soar, according to official estimates.
"I think we are now entering probably the most critical week for my industry in my lifetime," Mr Lord told the World At One.
"My phone is red hot and
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