Labour MP Matt Turmaine has welcomed a package of Government measures aimed at easing the cost of living, including a £2 cap on bus fares, lower business rates for pubs and clubs and the removal of VAT from household electricity bills.
The Watford MP said the measures would give families more “breathing room” as the Labour Government seeks to reduce everyday costs for households while providing additional support for businesses.
Writing on X, Turmaine said:
“I’m pleased bus fares will be capped at £2, business rates for pubs and clubs will be cut, and VAT will be cut from electricity bills, giving everyone a bit more breathing room to manage the Cost of Living.”
He added:
“It’s great to work with this government on the side of ordinary people.”
The intervention follows confirmation that VAT will be cut from household electricity bills from October, reducing one element of the energy costs faced by households.
Turmaine also highlighted the Government’s decision to cap bus fares at £2, a measure designed to keep public transport affordable for people travelling to work, education and local services.
For households that rely regularly on buses, the cap is intended to provide greater certainty over travel costs and help prevent transport bills adding further pressure to family finances.
The Labour MP also welcomed plans to cut business rates for pubs and clubs.
Hospitality businesses have repeatedly raised concerns about the combined impact of business rates, energy bills and other operating costs. Reducing the rates burden could provide additional support for local pubs and clubs while helping protect jobs and businesses on high streets and in communities.
Taken together, Turmaine argued that the measures demonstrate a Government focused on the financial pressures facing ordinary households and local businesses.
The announcement comes as ministers seek to make reducing living costs a central part of the Government’s economic programme under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
With household budgets remaining under pressure, Labour MPs are likely to emphasise measures that can deliver visible savings on essential costs including energy and transport.
Turmaine said the combination of lower electricity costs, cheaper bus travel and support for pubs and clubs showed the Government was taking practical steps to provide families and businesses with greater financial breathing room.
