Darren Jones, BEIS Committee Chair, comments on Spending Review

• Business, Energy and Induistrial Strategy Committee

Chair's comment

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Chair, Darren Jones, said:

“The Government’s financial support during the pandemic has been welcome but the Chancellor missed the opportunity today to spell out more targeted support for sectors such as hospitality who continue to bear a terrible strain. There are also gaps in support for the self-employed and freelancers which the Spending Review did little to address today and also the question of what further help can the government offer to businesses who have fallen behind with their rent? Treasury and Business Ministers should be working to bring stakeholders together to find a solution to commercial rent debts.

“The announcement of a national investment bank announcement is welcome. However, while last week we saw the PM’s 10-point green plan, today there was very little from the Chancellor on net-zero and climate change. On emissions trading, the clock is ticking but still businesses wait in vain for clarity on a UK carbon pricing regime. I hope the long-awaited, and frequently delayed, Energy White Paper soon sees the light of day and that, through the plethora of reviews and plans that are due over the coming year, the Government will begin to set a path to delivering on their green ambitions.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Parliamentary copyright