Downing Street was reacting to earlier reports in today’s Financial Times saying the business energy support scheme may not be in operation until November. 

However, The Guardian now quotes Downing Street sources confirming that even if the scheme is not operational at the start of October, payments would be backdated to that point so they do not lose out. 

The prime minister’s spokesperson told reporters: “We will confirm further details of the business support scheme next week. The scheme will support businesses with their October energy bills and that includes through backdating if necessary.”

Businesses were fearful they would be brought to the brink with soaring energy costs this winter after the government confirmed price capping for consumers but not for commercial premises.

Prime minister Liz Truss said last week that unit prices for households would be capped, so that a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on energy bills for the next year. Businesses are not covered by the Ofgem price cap that applies to households.