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Labour Plans to End Fuel Duty Cut Freeze and Increase Rates, Adding to Drivers’ Burden

Labour’s Upcoming Budget: A Potential Fuel Duty Increase and Its Implications

As the political landscape in the UK shifts, all eyes are on Labour’s upcoming Budget announcement scheduled for October 30. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is poised to unveil a series of measures aimed at addressing the staggering £22 billion funding gap left by the previous Conservative government. Among the most contentious issues on the table is the potential increase in fuel duty, which could significantly impact petrol and diesel drivers across the nation.

The Context of Fuel Duty

Fuel duty has been a hot topic in recent years, particularly following the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In response to soaring fuel prices, former Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced a temporary 5p per litre cut in fuel duty, which has remained frozen since 2022. This freeze was extended by Jeremy Hunt until March 2025, providing some relief to motorists during a time of financial strain.

However, the Resolution Foundation, a leading think tank, has indicated that the Labour government may soon reconsider this freeze. The think tank’s report highlights that the loss of fuel duty revenue due to the increasing electrification of vehicles could pose an "£8 billion problem" by 2029-2030, necessitating difficult decisions from the new administration.

The Implications of a Fuel Duty Increase

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to face significant pressure to address the funding shortfall through various means, including potential increases in fuel duty. The government’s default policy is for fuel duty to rise in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation. If this remains at 2.1%, fuel duty could see an increase of approximately 1.2p per litre in April, bringing the rate to around 59.2p, unless the 5p freeze is extended.

Such an increase could be perceived as a hammer blow for drivers, particularly as the average price of petrol currently stands at 139.41p per litre, with diesel at 144.16p, according to RAC Fuel Watch. While the RAC and other motoring organizations predict a potential decline in fuel prices in the near future, the prospect of a duty increase could dampen any relief drivers might hope for.

The Political Landscape

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already signaled that the Labour government will have to make "painful" decisions in the upcoming Budget. The reinstatement of the original 2030 deadline to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, scrapping the five-year delay introduced by Sunak, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. This move aligns with Labour’s commitment to environmental sustainability but raises questions about how the government will compensate for the declining fuel duty revenue as more drivers transition to electric vehicles.

The Resolution Foundation has suggested alternative approaches to fuel duty adjustments, such as monthly uprating to avoid larger annual jumps, which could provide a more stable revenue stream while minimizing the impact on drivers.

The Road Ahead

As the October 30 Budget approaches, the government faces a challenging balancing act. The need to fill a significant funding gap while maintaining public support is paramount. The decisions made in this Budget will not only affect the immediate financial landscape but will also set the tone for Labour’s economic strategy moving forward.

In conclusion, the potential increase in fuel duty is just one of many difficult decisions that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have to navigate. With the backdrop of rising living costs and the ongoing transition to electric vehicles, the implications of these decisions will resonate with drivers and the broader public alike. As the government prepares to unveil its plans, motorists and stakeholders will be watching closely, hoping for a balanced approach that addresses the pressing financial needs of the nation without placing undue burden on everyday drivers.

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