David Chadwick MP calls for emergency fuel duty and VAT cuts to support rural communities in Autumn Budget

David Chadwick, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has called on the Chancellor to introduce an emergency 10p cut in fuel duty and reduce VAT for hospitality and tourism businesses in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

The proposals form part of a wider Liberal Democrat cost of living package aimed at easing pressure on households and businesses over the next 18 months.

Mr Chadwick has warned that people living in rural communities such as Powys are particularly vulnerable to rising fuel prices, with many households relying on their cars to travel to work, access healthcare, do their shopping and take their children to school.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate 10p reduction in fuel duty, which the party estimates would bring down prices at the pump by 12p per litre.

The party is also proposing a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 15% for hospitality, accommodation and visitor attractions, providing support to pubs, restaurants, hotels and tourism businesses.

Mr Chadwick said the VAT reduction would be particularly important for the local economy, where tourism and hospitality provide jobs and support businesses across rural communities.

Alongside these measures, the Liberal Democrats are proposing an Essential Energy Guarantee to reduce average annual household energy bills by £100, with additional support for low-income households.

The party says its £14.1 billion package would be funded through taxes on windfall profits made by banks, recovering excess profits from energy network operators and using additional oil and gas tax revenues coming into the Treasury as a result of the Iran War.

David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said:

"For people living in rural communities like ours, driving is not a luxury. It is an absolute necessity. Whether it's getting to work, taking children to school or travelling to a hospital appointment, many people simply have no alternative to using their car.

"That's why rising fuel prices hit rural families particularly hard. An emergency cut in fuel duty would make a real difference to household budgets, and I want to see the Chancellor deliver that relief in the Budget.

"We also need urgent action to support our local businesses. Tourism and hospitality are vital to the economy of Mid Wales, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing visitors into our towns and villages.

"Yet pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses are facing enormous pressures from rising costs. Cutting VAT for hospitality and tourism would provide some much-needed breathing space and help protect local jobs.

"People and businesses across Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe need a Budget that recognises the particular challenges facing rural communities. The Chancellor must take action to bring down everyday costs and support the businesses that are so important to our local economy."

ENDS