Millions of people in the United Kingdom are expected to benefit as the government begins consultations on suspending tariffs on more than 120 everyday essential items.
The UK government announced on Wednesday that the products covered under the proposed policy have been published, building on the tariff suspension initiative first introduced in April.
The list of 125 items includes garlic, avocados, mangoes, nectarines, vegetable oil, chocolate, sauces, soft drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil and baked beans.
Authorities said the government would engage businesses and other stakeholders before implementing the plan, while also increasing mileage rates for about three million people who use their personal vehicles for work purposes.
The government is equally seeking public and industry input on whether suspending tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers manage rising production costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said the administration was introducing measures to cushion the impact of global economic pressures and keep household prices under control.
According to Reeves, the fuel duty freeze, increase in mileage rate — the first adjustment in 15 years — and temporary VAT reductions form part of broader efforts to ease financial pressure on residents and businesses.
She noted that the relief measures recognise the exposure of farmers and transport operators to high fuel costs and their critical role in maintaining supply chains across the country.
“We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket,” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said.
The government said the proposed tariff suspension is expected to lower import costs, reduce pressure on food prices and support economic stability amid global inflation concerns.
