UK small businesses and charities say nuclear levy could add thousands to bills

Charge from next month expected to have disproportionate impact after energy-intensive industries given exemption

British charities and small businesses have warned that a new levy on energy bills, intended to support the government's nuclear power ambitions, could raise their costs by thousands of pounds a year.

The extra charge could mean a significant cost hike for charities and small businesses with high energy use, meaning community services may be cut and economic growth curtailed, according to trade groups.