Liberal Democrats propose UK fuel duty cut to ease cost of living

The Liberal Democrats have proposed that the UK Government cut fuel duty by 10p per litre until at least Christmas to alleviate cost of living pressures. Party leader Sir Ed Davey argued that increased Treasury revenues from higher oil and gas prices, the energy profits levy, and VAT could fund this reduction, which he claims would result in a 12p reduction at the pumps.

In addition to the fuel duty cut, the party is calling for the cancellation of a planned 3p fuel duty rise in January. Other proposed measures to reduce travel costs include capping bus fares at £1, cutting rail fares by 10 per cent, and reducing the cost of electric vehicle charging by cutting VAT on public charging stations.

These demands come as Chancellor John Healey faces pressure to address rising living costs in the upcoming Budget. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the Chancellor will approach the economy with prudence while attempting to protect living standards.