Chancellor John Healey has addressed rising pump prices, admitting he was “concerned” as petrol and diesel costs continue to soar. He admitted that record-high fuel bills were putting "pressure" on Britons and stressed officials would do “what we can” to help.
Budget decision expected
Speaking to ITN, Mr Healey said: “I’m concerned. I’m conscious of the pressure this is putting on people, on businesses, as well as people at the pumps.
“And this is a government that will do what we can to give people a bit of breathing space. But those are decisions that I will make in the round at the Budget.”
He admitted that any announcement would be saved for his Budget statement at the end of October, but could be a first hint that fuel duty updates are on the cards.
Pressure from campaigners
Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer pushed back planned fuel duty cuts, with the legal default for fees to rise in 2027. As things stand, the Conservatives' 5p cut is set to be reversed early next year with an initial 3p rise scheduled for January.
However, Mr Healey has come under intense pressure from campaigners such as FairFuelUK to keep fuel duty frozen for the duration of the Parliament, or, better still, cut costs.
They said: “FairFuelUK says the Government must not wait for the October 28 Budget and instead deliver an emergency 10p cut in Fuel Duty today.”
Motoring groups join calls
The AA has now joined calls for fuel duty action, demanding officials extend the 5p freeze and consider a further 5p cut.
The RAC has also called for change, remarking that the “Government could take steps to ease the burden on drivers” by lowering fuel duty or reducing VAT.
In his Conference Speech, Mr Healey once again suggested that fuel prices at home were becoming a problem.
He said: “Because the worldwide economic shocks, conflicts, trade tensions are felt hard here at home. From the prices at the pump to the cost of the monthly mortgage payments. But Conference, you know what?
“These times demand of us a greater resolve, a greater determination, and a greater hope. To build a more resilient country. And remember, Conference, we are Labour.”
