UK Cuts Food Duties and Attraction Taxes as Living Costs Rise

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government is rolling out small consumer relief measures, from lower-priced supermarket treats to cheaper family outings, as it tries to soften pressure on household budgets and regain political support.

Treasury chief Rachel Reeves said Thursday that the package includes cuts to import duties on biscuits, chocolate and roughly 100 other grocery items, part of an effort to counter price increases connected to the war in Iran.

Inflation in the United Kingdom eased to 2.8 per cent in April after standing at 3.3 per cent in March, though officials expect another rise because fuel, domestic gas and electricity costs are climbing.

To limit the strain, ministers have delayed a scheduled fuel-duty hike and granted lorry operators a 12-month break from road tax. The move is intended to cushion sharply higher petrol prices after the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for oil shipments, was effectively closed.

Reeves, however, stopped short of promising wider help with home energy bills.

She also outlined steps aimed at lifting summer spending, including free bus travel for children during August. For the summer period, the tax charged on entry to attractions such as zoos, amusement parks and museums will drop from 20 per cent to 5 per cent.

The chancellor said the support would be funded by shutting tax loopholes used by oil and gas firms with operations overseas.

“This summer I want every family to be able to enjoy themselves,” Reeves said. “As the war in Iran pushes prices up at home, my economic plan is the right one. I will continue to make the right choices, to protect households and businesses, and build a stronger and more secure Britain.”

The measures were announced as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure inside the governing Labour Party, where rivals are trying to remove him following damaging local election results.