Political opinion: Horsham MP calls for action on cost of living and high streets ahead of Budget

Lib Dem MP for Horsham, John Milne, has called on the Chancellor to use next week’s Autumn Budget to ease pressure on household finances and support local businesses, as the Liberal Democrats unveil a £14 billion emergency package to cut energy and transport costs.  

Families across Horsham District face rising bills and growing financial pressure, while local businesses, particularly pubs, cafés and restaurants, continue to grapple with high operating costs and squeezed customer spending. 

The Liberal Democrats have proposed an 18-month “breathing space package” to save households an average of £350 and give local businesses a much-needed boost. Proposals include an Essential Energy Guarantee to reduce energy bills, a 10p cut in fuel duty, 10% reductions in rail fares, £1 bus fares and a reduction in VAT on public electric vehicle charging from 20% to 5%. 

The party is also calling for a temporary cut in VAT on hospitality, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 15%, helping pubs, restaurants and cafés manage costs while encouraging people to spend money in their local communities. 

The Lib Dems have proposed a temporary tax on unearned windfall profits banks have received linked to the Bank of England’s Quantitative Easing programme, a clawback of excess profits made by energy network operators, and using additional tax revenues generated by higher oil and gas prices to fund transport cost reductions. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne, said:  “I understand the difficult financial position the country is in, and that is exactly why we need a different approach to our economic policy: one that takes growth seriously and eases the pressure on families and businesses that have been hit by previous Labour Budgets. 

“Our £14 billion package would help put money back into people’s pockets, make travel more affordable and give struggling local businesses a much-needed boost. By funding these measures through unearned windfall profits rather than asking households to pay more, the Chancellor can help families make ends meet while giving our high streets a fairer chance to thrive.”