LIVE: UK's Reeves to set out measures to ease cost of living

Fuel duty freeze extended through December

The government maintained the 5p per liter fuel duty cut and froze rates until December 31, saving average motorists over £120 this year compared to previous administration plans that would have increased pump prices.

Rejection of additional VAT and duty cuts

Ministers declined Liberal Democrat proposals for an immediate 10p duty cut or VAT freeze, arguing that unfunded tax reductions constitute 'motherhood and apple pie' without identified revenue sources.

CMA fuel finder competition scheme

The government highlighted the Competition and Markets Authority's fuel finder website as a key tool to drive competition, potentially saving households up to £40 annually through price transparency.

ZEV mandate crisis warnings

MPs highlighted a 'real crisis' facing automotive manufacturers due to the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, citing insufficient consumer demand to meet escalating electric vehicle sales requirements at plants like Vauxhall.

Government agrees to mandate review

The Chief Secretary committed to discussing the ZEV mandate review with the Transport Secretary following concerns that current targets exceed market appetite and threaten production viability.

North Sea licensing debate intensifies

Conservative MPs pressed for expanded North Sea oil and gas drilling to reduce reliance on imports, while the government maintained that new licenses would not yield production for a decade and prioritized renewable energy security.

Sanctions on Russian oil defended

Ministers rejected accusations of softening sanctions against Russian oil imports, asserting the current package exceeds previous measures with over 3,300 active sanctions targeting entities, individuals, and vessels.

Rural fuel poverty disparity highlighted

Rural households spend nearly £800 annually more on fuel than urban residents, prompting calls for targeted support beyond the general duty freeze to address unavoidable car dependency in constituencies lacking public transport.

Red diesel duty cut for agriculture

The government confirmed duty reductions on red diesel for farmers and hauliers, alongside over £3 billion in bus service funding over three years with a £3 fare cap to improve rural connectivity.

Freight crime and driver welfare

Following concerns about logistics driver safety and inadequate welfare facilities, ministers committed to convening cross-departmental meetings to address freight crime targeting transport vehicles.