The British Independent Retailers Association has said it's "disappointed" that such an important decision on energy support for businesses has been delayed by ministers.

The association, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has said with the soaring energy costs and now no clear decisions laid out by the government, will cause even more unnecessary stress on retailers.

Currently, wholesale gas and electricity prices have been fixed for firms from October until March 2023, but the help is under review due to the cost.

In October, ministers had promised to make an announcement before the end of 2022, but this is now delayed until the start of 2023.

BIRA CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "It is disappointing to see this important decision being delayed. Independent retailers have seen energy prices increase by as much as 600% in the past year and this current support package needs to be extended beyond March 2023.

"This is even more important as retailers are facing the double whammy of rapidly increasing costs and lower consumer expenditure due to the cost of living crisis. In order to plan ahead for next year, the high street businesses need to know the support that will be made available."