British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is set to announce a package of measures aimed at easing pressure on household budgets, including free bus travel for children and proposed cuts to
tariffs on selected food imports.
Under the plan, children aged five to 15 in England will be able to travel free on participating local bus services throughout August. The government has committed £100 million to support the initiative.
The Treasury is also seeking to reduce tariffs on more than 100 imported products, including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts. Officials say the measures could deliver savings worth up to £150 million for consumers, with the full list of affected goods expected to be released next week.
The announcements form part of a broader effort by the Labour government to address rising living costs and rebuild political momentum following heavy losses in recent local elections. The setbacks have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and raised questions over the government’s standing with voters.
The latest proposals follow measures unveiled on Wednesday, including tax relief for motorists and haulage companies, as ministers attempt to ease financial strain on households and businesses. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.
