Chancellor John Healey announced the removal of import tariffs on over 100 staple goods, including marmalade and gherkins, ahead of the upcoming Budget to help ease the cost of living pressures on UK households. The tariff suspensions, combined with previous measures, could save families up to £21 annually. This move is part of a broader package that includes making higher tax-free mileage rates permanent, introducing a taper mechanism for carer's allowance earnings, extending paternity pay to self-employed fathers, and expanding Post Office parcel drop boxes. The government also plans to freeze fuel duty and continue the 5p duty discount.
Healey cited global conflicts in Iran and Ukraine as factors driving up everyday costs and emphasised the government's role in mitigating their impact domestically. However, Conservative critics, including Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith, dismissed the tariff cuts as insufficient, describing them as an "insult" amid rising taxes and inflation. The measures reflect ongoing efforts to balance economic support with fiscal responsibility ahead of the Budget.
Read the full story: BBC UK News.
Source: BBC UK News. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.