Letter: 'My energy bills are becoming unmanageable'

Without continued support from the government as part of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS), many Post Offices including mine, will find in extremely hard to stay open.

I understand that the support we are currently getting with our energy bills will end on 31 March 2023, unless the government decides that post offices like mine are important enough to continue to receive support.

The facts are stark. Energy bills in Post Office branches will jump by an average of between £6,000-£8,000 next year if government support ends.

This will put many branches at risk of closing and threatens the critical services we deliver to people and businesses, and the vital role we play in keeping communities connected.

New data shows the network of branches you operate contributes almost £5bn a year to the UK economy and nearly £3bn a year of spending in nearby shops and businesses.

That’s an enormous contribution to UK Plc which government will be placing at risk if branches have to close due to unmanageable costs of energy.

I am hoping that Connor Burns can help persuade the government to keep the Energy Bill Support Scheme in place for Post Office branches beyond 31 March 2023, to ensure that the worst effects of the current crisis are averted and access to essential services and support is maintained for the residents and local businesses and indeed for small businesses across the country.

I worry for my business and for my community if this support is not extended and the government risks losing the UK a vital part of its economic and social infrastructure if doesn’t act.

I hope that Connor Burns, and indeed Tobias Ellwood, our local MPs can persuade the secretary of state for business and the chancellor of the exchequer that further support after 31 March 2023 is vital to help local Post Offices, and other small businesses through this cost of living crisis.

JON FOLLENFANT

SubPostmaster, Lansdowne Post Office