Give Animal Rescue Centres a grant to offset this winters increased heating cost

We would respectfully ask the Government to give urgently needed help with the anticipated massive increase in heating costs for this Winter to small and medium sized Animal Rescue Centres who are unable to absorb these costs.

The Government is actively considering the impact of the rise of cost of living on all aspects of people’s lives and businesses, including the costs associated with animal welfare. Defra remains in close contact with animal welfare organisations and meets them regularly to understand issues that are affecting the sector, including any increased burden on animal rescue centres.

Businesses and charities are currently being supported by the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS). The details of the EBRS were announced on 21 September 2022. The scheme will run for six months covering energy use from 1 October 2022 until 31 March 2023. The scheme applies to all non-domestic energy customers, including businesses and charities involved with companion animal welfare that are on eligible contracts. More information can be found here: (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers)

The Government has announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 for eligible non-domestic consumers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The current EBRS support has protected the sector during the highest price rises of Winter 2022/23 and the EBDS support will continue to provide some support for rescue centres with their energy costs. While there are no plans to extend this support further than announced, the Government will continue to monitor energy prices closely over the coming months to ensure that support offered remains both effective and proportionate.

Sector groups are closely monitoring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and identifying where more support may be needed. We welcome the support they are providing owners through pet food banks and financial support with veterinary treatment during these difficult times.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

This is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (Give Animal Rescue Centres a grant to offset this winters increased heating cost)