The Food and Drink Supply Chain All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has announced it will hold a “special” inquiry session on 19th October, “examining” the impact of the energy crisis on the food and drink supply chain.
The inquiry session is set to “explore the impact the current energy crisis is having on the food and drink supply chain, how this could potentially impact consumers and businesses across the UK and what steps need to be taken in the Chancellor’s next fiscal event, and after the government’s six-month support package expires.”
APPG have announced 11 “call for evidence” questions for the inquiry session, with two questions asking, “How are rising costs impacting your business or your sector?” and “What will happen to your sector if you are not supported with energy bills after the initial six months cap?”
The body said that “thousands” of food and drink businesses “may have been saved” from closure this winter by the energy bills relief scheme (EBRS), but “significant questions remain over the details, feasibility and sustainability of government policy.”
It added: “With the cost-of-living spiralling and the economic situation deteriorating, it is vital that food and drink remains affordable for families across the country. Tackling the short- and medium-term energy crisis is of the utmost importance in addressing that.”
Interim Chair of the Food and Drink Supply Chain APPG Sharon Hodgson said: “Ensuring that the UK food and drink supply chain produces healthy, quality, and affordable food is of fundamental importance.
She added: “However, spiralling energy prices are having a major impact on food and drink businesses, intensifying the cost of doing business, and driving food price inflation to worrying levels.”
The session’s panellists will include various bodies from the food and drink industry.
- TBC – National Farmers Union
- James Bielby – Chief Executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors
- Gavin Partington – Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association
- Ian Mace – Head of Government Affairs and Policy of Associated British Foods
- Emma McClarkin – Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association
- James Lowman – Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores.
For more information on the evidence session contact: APPG-FDSCUK@dentonsglobaladvisors.com
