Chancellor urged to cut VAT and duty on fuel by DUP leader

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has called on the Chancellor to cut VAT and excise duty on diesel and petrol to help families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Sir Jeffrey was joined by other party MPs as he delivered a letter to the Treasury on Tuesday calling for further measures to support those struggling with spiralling fuel and energy costs.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to deliver his spring statement on Wednesday and has faced pressure to help households with rising living costs.

In his letter to Mr Sunak, the DUP leader said: “You have recognised the impact that the rising cost of living and, in particular, energy bills are having on households right across the United Kingdom.

“Whilst measures announced by the Government are welcome, we do not believe they have gone far enough.

“As Chancellor, you have experience of taking action in response to extraordinary circumstances and will know the huge benefit that support during the pandemic brought to families right across the UK.

“There is a need for further assistance in relation to the cost-of-living crisis. We encourage you to take action.”

He called on the Chancellor to cut VAT and excise duty on diesel and petrol, pause plans to remove the red diesel rebate, cancel the planned 1.25% increase in national insurance contributions and to offer targeted extra support to working families and those in greatest need with heating costs.

His letter continued: “Northern Ireland is a rural region and depends on road haulage, therefore fuel costs are deeply worrying.

“We believe that such action will be necessary to prevent the current crisis escalating even further.

“It is vital that you not only recognise the scale of the problem we face, but take resolute action to offer hope to millions of people across the UK.”