Andy Burnham has been criticised by campaigners after Italy introduced a temporary cut in excise duties on diesel, while the UK has yet to announce a similar measure.
Italy's fuel duty cut
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved a reduction of 17 euro cents per litre (14p) on diesel, effective until August 6. The plan, costing €125 million, also includes tax breaks for truck drivers and farms.
No such policy has been announced in the United Kingdom, prompting questions about the lack of action from Burnham and Chancellor John Healey.
FairFuelUK criticism
Howard Cox, founder of the campaign group FairFuelUK, said: “This fiscally short-sighted Government, under Andy Burnham, and following Keir Starmer's tenure, continues to show a deliberate reluctance to support drivers or ease business transport costs by cutting fuel duty.”
He added: “Other European countries have recognised the critical role of fuel prices in containing inflation and supporting economic activity. Why does Labour refuse to do the same? The answer is clear: in Labour’s political DNA, the motorist remains an easy source of revenue rather than the commercial heartbeat of the economy. Their approach is firmly anti-driver and risks holding back recovery, when targeted relief could help both households and businesses.”
UK fuel duty outlook
Fuel duty costs were set to rise in September, but former Chancellor Rachel Reeves cancelled a planned hike before leaving office. However, under the current default, fuel duty could increase by 3p per litre in January and 2p in March, reversing the 5p cut introduced by the Conservatives in 2022.
HM Revenue and Customs has stated that the government will confirm final rates at the 2026 Budget, leaving the decision to the new Chancellor.
Other measures
Burnham has already introduced two motoring policies: a VAT cut on domestic electricity expected to save road users up to £40 per year from October, and a bus fare reduction from £3 to a maximum of £2 from January 1.
