New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced tax cuts on at least 12 food items sold at major retailers such as Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl and Sainsbury's. The government is cutting tariffs on the import of various food products including baked beans, chocolate, toffees, sweets and garlic, with cuts of up to 20%, which is expected to be reflected in lower prices on store shelves.
Everyday fixes package
The announcement is part of a set of 'everyday fixes' which also include abolishing the Carer's Allowance cliff edge, increasing mileage rates and extending parental leave.
Food items in the cuts include:
- Garlic (8% + £100 per 100 kg)
- Gherkins (12%)
- Citrus jams, marmalades and pastes (20% + £19 per 100 kg)
- Throat pastilles and cough drops (8%)
- Boiled sweets, filled or unfilled (8%)
- Toffees, caramels and similar sweets (8%)
- Plant-based beverages (soya, nut, cereal or seed) (8%)
- Chocolate-coated waffles/wafers (8%)
- Baked beans
- Chocolate
Government statement on cost of living
The government said in the announcement: "This is the second government-led cost-of-living tariff package this year, following an initial package introduced in June 2026 covering products including pasta, fruit juice and tuna. Together, the two packages are expected to reduce consumer costs by approximately £245 million to £595 million a year.
"Separately, the government introduced a business-led package in July following applications from firms and is now extending existing business suspensions, while opening a new application window for further products."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "We are taking on the big challenges facing the country. But that doesn't mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren't fair.
"If you're a nurse driving for work, a parent spending those precious first weeks with your new baby, or an unpaid carer picking up an extra shift, these changes will make life a little easier and put more money back in your pocket.
"And at Wednesday's Budget, we'll go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need today, while we build a stronger economy, transform our country and bring down cost for people long-term."
Chancellor's response
The Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: "Today's everyday fixes are just a small part of what we are doing to give families a bit of breathing space.
"Conflict in the Middle East and Europe is hitting families here at home through higher everyday costs. We can't control global events, but we can act where we can make a difference."
