Government recognises "deep significance" of Stoke ceramics amid crisis
It follows a petition calling for inclusion in the energy relief scheme
The government has stressed its recognition of the deep importance of the ceramics tableware industry in Stoke-on-Trent, amidst calls for urgent action to tackle soaring energy costs.
A petition has attracted nearly 80,000 signatures, requests the expansion of the British Industry Supercharger energy relief scheme to include ceramic manufacturers.
The scheme currently excludes ceramics, despite its energy-intensive nature, which has contributed to multiple company collapses within the sector, including most recently Denby Pottery, which owns Burleigh in Stoke-on-Trent.
Addressing these concerns, the government stated this week it "intends to publicly consult on the eligibility of the British Industry Supercharger this year. However, consultation outcomes, including future sector inclusion, cannot be pre-empted."
The relief is designed for industries subjected to carbon leakage, detailed as, "Eligible sectors are set out in secondary legislation under the Electricity Supplier Obligations... and various amended Electricity Regulations."
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) plans to reassess the criteria for this scheme, advising that, "DBT encourages the ceramics sector to engage with this review and submit all relevant evidence when the opportunity arises."
The government's Modern Industrial Strategy aims to support sectors like ceramics, with promises that, "Support to these strategic sectors will not only improve economic growth but also create jobs up and down the country."
Acknowledging the sector’s importance to local communities, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent, the government affirmed, "The Government recognises the importance of the ceramics sector... and will continue to engage with the industry, trade unions and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK."
Efforts will centre on addressing challenges and exploring possible support for the ceramics industry.
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