Wetherspoon's boss vows to keep price rises to a minimum as he criticises energy bills

"Tim Martin said the recently introduced extended producer responsibility levy on packaging will lead to the company's costs from the tax tripling from 800,000 to 2.4m a year. Martin also criticised the impact of what he termed non-commodity energy costs taxes or levies added to the pub chain's bills for the electricity it uses which he said will add 7m a year from this month."

"This substantial increase in levies, applicable to most consumers and businesses, will inevitably add to inflation in the coming months, Martin said. Wetherspoon's, as always, will endeavour to keep price increases to a minimum. He added that the non-commodity costs will account for 62% of Wetherspoon's overall electricity costs. Martin reiterated that the company, which operates 794 pubs, has already been hit by a 60m annual cost increase because of the increases in employers' national insurance contributions (NICs) and the minimum wage."

The extended producer responsibility packaging levy will increase company packaging costs from £800,000 to £2.4m annually. Non-commodity energy costs, defined as taxes or levies on electricity bills, will add £7m a year from this month. A levy to support nuclear power station construction and a subsidy for energy-intensive industries contribute to higher energy bills. Cornwall Insight estimates the nuclear RAB levy will add just under £10 a year to consumer bills from next quarter, including adjustments for November and December. Non-commodity costs will account for 62% of electricity expenses. The company operates 794 pubs and has faced a £60m annual cost increase from higher employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. Plans aim to keep price rises minimal.

Read at www.theguardian.com