What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t, and who will really benefit?
Rachel Reeves announced a cost of living support package aimed at helping workers who rely on vehicles, particularly plumbers. The plan includes a 10p increase in the tax-free mileage rate and a VAT cut on summer attraction tickets. However, critics note that the measures may not adequately address the broader financial challenges faced by households and younger individuals.
- ▪The tax-free mileage rate was last raised 15 years ago, and the new increase is backdated to April 2026.
- ▪Reeves' plan includes free bus travel for children during the summer holiday and the removal of tariffs on 100 food items.
- ▪The measures are seen as primarily benefiting those who use vehicles for work, with limited support for other demographics.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsNEWS ANALYSISWhat’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t, and who will really benefit?Political editor David Maddox looks at a cost of living announcement by the chancellor which appeared to reflect a political obsession with plumbers and was missing major itemsThursday 21 May 2026 14:30 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2981180","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-cost-of-living-package-payment-b2981180.html","title":"What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan –…
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