The government has announced a list of 125 everyday essential food items it has targeted for tariff reductions, alongside announcing measures to help people with the cost of travel.
In a statement, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said it was today launching a consultation with retailers and other stakeholders, with a list of 125 products – including fruit, oils and core pantry staples – it was targeting for tariff reductions.
HMRC said the consultation “is seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of a second package” covering “fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces and soft drinks”.
This second package would build on the tariff suspension announced by the government in April.
It added that it would be seeking views in parallel to today’s announcements “on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East”.
The government said it was the first in 15 years to “uprate mileage rates for 3 million people who use their own vehicle for work”. This would save motorists £120 a year for those driving 6,000 business miles.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.
“That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
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