Call to give ceramics firms a 'fairer deal on energy costs'

Bosses want action in forthcoming budget

- Sentinel Reporter

CERAMICS bosses have hit out at the Government over its lack of support as the sector suffers thanks to spiralling electricity costs.

And they are demanding Chancellor Rachel Reeves extends energy cost relief in her budget later this month.

The national trade body for the pottery industry is unhappy after it emerged that up to 90 per cent of the UK's ceramics industry has missed out on increased energy cost relief under the Government's British Industry Supercharger scheme.

The Department for Business and Trade announced that around 500 of the UK's most energy-intensive businesses are set to save up to £420 million per year on their electricity bills from next April.

But only 10 per cent of the UK's ceramics manufacturers qualify under the scheme.