The government unveils new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses

A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector has been confirmed, ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024. Please see the guidance for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme for further information.

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme factsheet includes information about a higher level of support being given to businesses in energy and trade intensive industries (ETIIs). For a full list of sectors in scope, please click here.

Government to pay more to farmers who protect and enhance the environment

Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, delivered a speech at the Oxford Farming Conference on 5 January, announcing that farmers will receive increased payments for protecting and enhancing nature and delivering sustainable food production under the Government’s Environmental Land Management schemes.

New requirements for French private attestations from 15 January

The new requirement for all private attestations for exports of shelf-stable composite goods presented at a French Border Control Post (BCP) to be translated into French comes into effect on 15 January 2023 (delayed from 1 January 2023).
In preparation for this change, Defra urge businesses to start familiarising themselves with the new French translation. See here on Gov.uk for the translated version of the form.

When is a private attestation needed?

EU or Northern Ireland importers or agents must complete a private attestation for composite food products if both of the following apply:

• the products are shelf-stable (not stored chilled or frozen)
• the products do not contain processed meat

A private attestation can be used for shelf-stable products that need to be transported at a controlled temperature of 0°C degrees or above.
Exporters should check if the BCP where the goods will arrive will accept a private attestation. Exporters need to give their EU or Northern Ireland import agent information about the products they are exporting so they can complete and sign the attestation.
For further information – please contact: Exports@APHA.gov.uk

Extended Producer Responsibility Obligation Checker

To help you understand whether your business is obligated to report data under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), we have developed an online Obligation Checker. This interactive tool will help you assess whether you meet the thresholds, based on your turnover and the amount of packaging you produce. Full details, including FAQs, were included in the most recent Collection and Packaging Reform newsletter.

You can also view the following recordings on YouTube:

• A demonstration of the Obligation Checker tool
• A recording of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – January 2023 requirements webinar

Food and Drink Export Council

In October 2021, the government announced the intention to establish a new Food and Drink Export Council to promote British goods overseas. The Export Council will use a collaborative approach. It will harness expertise and resource from government and industry across the UK in a collective endeavour to increase agriculture, food and drink exports.

The Export Council will comprise of strong representation from government, industry, and regions across different parts of the UK. This will ensure the council delivers for all parts of the UK and all scales of business. The membership will be diverse and dynamic with an onus on innovation, raising ambition, building capability and effective collaboration.
It will comprise of:

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Department for International Trade (DIT) representatives
• devolved administrations
• industry bodies
• a selection of dynamic and innovative businesses including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)