'People cannot afford another Budget of timid half-measures': MP calls for action ahead of Budget

Torbay MP Steve Darling has warned the government that “people cannot afford another Budget of timid half-measures”, as he calls for cheaper fuel, lower public transport fares and a VAT cut for hospitality businesses.

Chancellor John Healey will deliver the Budget tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28.

Mr Darling also hopes that the Chancellor will introduce a cost of living package to give families some much-needed financial relief.

His calls come after the government announced five measures aimed at reducing everyday costs for families and workers ahead of the Budget.

This includes making higher tax-free mileage rates permanent, providing support for nurses, care workers, self-employed builders and others who drive to work.

The Chancellor will be locking in the 55p per mile rate for the first 10,000 business miles, while increasing the rate above 10,000 miles from 25p to 35p per mile.

In addition, there will be an extension to parental pay to more than 150,000 additional parents each year, including self-employed dads and partners who previously missed out.

This will give eligible parents two weeks of support currently worth up to £194 per week.

There will also be a change to Carer’s Allowance rules, meaning unpaid carers will no longer lose their entire allowance when their earnings exceed the Weekly Earning Limits by as little as a pound.

The government also plans to remove tariffs on more than 100 products, which it estimates could save households up to £21 on their food shop each year.

As well as this, hundreds more Post Office drop boxes will be rolled out, bringing the total to 1,000.

This will make it easier and more convenient for people to send and return parcels.

However, Steve Darling is calling for further action.

Looking towards the Budget, he told the Torbay Weekly: "We want to see a cost of living support package to give families breathing space.”

He added: “Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency transport package, including an immediate cut in fuel duty to bring down prices at the pump by 12p per litre.”

“We also want to see bus and train fares slashed and electric vehicle charging costs cut, to help everyone in the South West save money, no matter how they travel.”

“We also need to help our Hospitality industry with a reduction in VAT.”

The Chancellor will deliver the budget tomorrow (October 28) at approximately 12.30pm, where further details of the government’s plans for households and businesses are expected to be announced.

Mr Darling ended his message with a warning to the government and said: “People cannot afford another Budget of timid half-measures. The Chancellor must not stand back and watch families in the South West struggle."