Responding to the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme for business, Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to see firm action from the Prime Minister and Chancellor to tackle the energy crisis. This is a much-needed step in the right direction.

“Many firms were facing very tough times ahead with these spiralling costs, on top of existing challenges stemming from the pandemic, Brexit fall out, supply chain and recruitment issues, and the war in Ukraine.

“This support is vital to see Yorkshire firms throughout the winter, but clarity is needed immediately. Levels of support will vary from business to business, so it is key that any business who is eligible for support has a clear plan of exactly what they are entitled to and that they are able to access it quickly and efficiently.

“While this package is significant, I worry that six months of support is not enough to combat the previous years of economic unrest. Many firms will not have sufficient reserves in place to plan for longer term recovery and growth.

“Understandably there are many unknowns facing our region’s firms and the Government alike, but short-term planning is only good for short term survival. Our organisations need longer term commitments to allow them to plan ahead, invest in our towns, cities and people, and truly provide a boost to the Yorkshire economy for generations to come.”