THE situation of soaring energy bills in the UK is a “national crisis” on the scale of the Covid pandemic. That was the dire warning issued last week by consumer expert Martin Lewis.
He highlighted a looming catastrophe involving damage to mental health and the risk of leaving millions unable to afford necessities.
There’s also another similarity with the Covid situation – the impact on jobs and industry.
As we highlight today, the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector, which had hoped to begin recovery during the summer after months of closures during the pandemic, is once again nearly on its knees.
The cost-of-living crisis means the anticipated bounce-back in eating out, drinking and spending has been short-lived, as households are forced to tighten their belts.
Meanwhile businesses are having to deal with an extraordinary increase in costs – like the small hotel in the Highlands which has been quoted an energy bill of an extra £100,000 a year.
That’s alongside other price pressures, such as food, insurance and interest rates.
Little wonder that recent weeks have seen a noticeable rise in even popular bars and restaurants simply choosing to shut.
The response from the UK Government has so far been shameful. While the Tories are embroiled in their leadership contest and obsessing over who is going to win the keys to Downing Street, they have clearly forgetten there is a country to run.
It must listen to the calls from the industry to take action, such as cutting VAT, and implement these measures immediately.
The Scottish Government, too, must also do all it can within its powers to assist businesses.
Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sector is a vital part of the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the country. By the time support is offered, far too many will already have been forced to close their doors for good.
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