Before Christmas, I hosted a surgery with local hospitality businesses in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. I am grateful to the owners of these important local businesses for taking the time to talk to me about the challenges they face and what I can do to support them.

A range of issues were raised from the lingering impacts of the pandemic, the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and the concerns businesses have over the rising cost of living. During the meeting it was relayed to me that a number of local hospitality businesses have not been receiving the support offered by the Government.

Following this meeting, I raised this issue in the House of Commons with Ministers at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who are responsible for this matter. Raising the specific case of Hop and Vine who have not received a discount on their energy bills.

In the Minister’s response, he assured me that the £18 billion energy relief scheme should be applied in a universal manner to all those eligible. He went on to stress the robust enforcement regime already in place to ensure compliance with the legislation passed in parliament.