The UK government has unveiled plans to remove tariffs on approximately 125 food products in a bid to bring down the cost of the weekly shop for millions of households across the country. The announcement comes as part of a broader package of measures designed to ease the burden on families still struggling with the lingering effects of the cost of living crisis.
In addition to the tariff reductions, the government confirmed that children in England will be able to travel on buses for free during the month of August. The initiative is aimed at supporting families during the school holidays and encouraging the use of public transport. Ministers also announced a significant cut to vehicle excise duty for heavy goods vehicles, reducing the annual charge from up to 912 pounds to just one pound for renewals, in what has been described as a boost for the haulage industry.
Red diesel measures have also been included in the package, providing relief to sectors such as agriculture and construction that rely heavily on diesel-powered machinery. The government defended the measures against accusations that they amount to a gimmick, arguing that they represent tangible savings for both consumers and businesses.
Opposition voices have questioned whether the tariff cuts will make a meaningful difference to household budgets, pointing out that food price inflation is driven by multiple factors beyond import duties. However, government supporters maintain that the combined effect of the measures will deliver real savings, particularly for lower-income families who spend a higher proportion of their income on food and transport.