AN Oxfordshire MP is calling on the Government to support businesses across the county facing energy bill increases.

The Liberal Democrats have revealed that 110 businesses in Oxford West and Abingdon are facing a £502,888 energy bill increase once Government support is stopped in April.

The analysis shows that the average bill increase per business is likely to be £4,572. 

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According to official statistics, across the whole of Oxfordshire there are 860 pubs, restaurants and cafes at risk, facing a rise in energy bills by thousands of pounds. 

The Government initially capped the cost of business energy, but from April they are replacing that scheme and will instead just pay a small proportion of businesses' increased costs.

This means many pubs, cafes and restaurants will see a 90 per cent cut in help from the Government. 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the government ‘to think again’.

MP Layla Moran, for Abingdon and Oxford West, said: “Countless businesses in our area are facing a cliff edge this year.

“Our pubs, restaurants and cafes have endured so much already, people will be devastated to see any more harm to our local high streets. 

“The Government needs to give businesses around here the support they need to endure this energy bill catastrophe. 

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“Ministers in Westminster must not wait a moment more.

"Liberal Democrats are calling for them to intervene and think again about this change - if they don’t we could see thousands of businesses, including pubs, restaurants and cafes going bust.

"This could rip the heart out of our communities.” 

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @geeharland