Britain mulls subsidies for big electricity users 

Forecasts of a long recession and soaring inflation, spurred mainly by rising energy prices, dominate the political agenda

The British government said it has launched a consultation into a support scheme that could raise the exemption for businesses from certain environmental and policy costs from 85% of costs up to 100%.

Britain is considering plans to subsidise power bills for energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement, in an effort to support hundreds of businesses facing record high energy prices.

The move comes weeks before a new prime minister is due to take office, with forecasts of a long recession and soaring inflation — spurred mainly by rising energy prices — dominating the political agenda.