Chancellor to cut food costs as part of 'everyday fixes' package

John Healey has announced plans to cut staple food costs by removing import taxes on products such as baked beans, gherkins and chocolate.

The chancellor's Budget on Wednesday will include a package of "everyday fixes" to give families dealing with the cost-of-living crisis "breathing space".

The government will remove import tariffs on more than 100 products. The move is also aimed at supporting farmers facing higher fertiliser bills and households reliant on heating oil.

It estimates that, along with the tariff suspensions that have already been introduced, households could save up to £21 on their food shop each year.

Healey said the plans "are just a small part" of how the government will lessen the impacts of the cost of living on families, adding: "Conflict in the Middle East and Europe is hitting families here at home through higher everyday costs.  

"We can’t control global events, but we can act where we can make a difference."

The announcement also includes plans to end the "unfair cliff edge" for people receiving carer's allowance payments, making higher tax-free mileage rates permanent, and increasing support for nurses, care workers, self-employed builders and others who drive for work.

Self-employed fathers will also get two weeks of paternity pay under the new plans, having previously missed out on payments of up to £194 a week. There will also be hundreds of new Post Office drop boxes introduced to make sending parcels easier.  

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "We are taking on the big challenges facing the country. But that doesn’t mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren’t fair.  

"If you’re a nurse driving for work, a parent spending those precious first weeks with your new baby, or an unpaid carer picking up an extra shift, these changes will make life a little easier and put more money back in your pocket.  

"And at Wednesday’s Budget, we’ll go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need today, while we build a stronger economy, transform our country and bring down cost for people long-term."

Reacting to the announcement, shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith said: "Shoppers face rising costs at the till and families are struggling to make ends meet, but Burnham's plan is cheaper gherkins. This is an insult to families hammered by Labour's tax rises."