OATA pursues energy help for aquatic businesses
OATA is now urging businesses to write to their MP as it believes this is an animal welfare issue as well as a business issue
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has continued its calls for extra support on energy bills for aquatic businesses after they were excluded from the government support package for heavy users.
The government announced it was extending energy help to all non-domestic consumers between April 2023 and May 2024.
It also announced industries that will get extra help above and beyond this scheme. Despite representations by OATA the aquatics industry has not been included in this scheme.
OATA is now urging businesses to write to their MP as it believes this is an animal welfare issue as well as a business issue.
OATA chief executive Dominic Whitmee said: “It is of course welcome that help will continue to be available to businesses, but we do find it very strange that energy heavy businesses such as aquatics have not got additional support, particularly when, for example, manufacturers of knitted and crocheted fabrics and hosiery do get chosen!
“At its heart, this is an animal welfare issue because aquatics businesses cannot choose to turn down the heating, lighting, pumps and filters which must run all day, every day to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care.”
