At Budget, Healey vows cheaper marmalade and gherkins in package easing family pressures

Tariffs targeted for removal

The government plans to scrap import tariffs on more than 100 products described as family favourites. It says the measures are intended to help households with living costs.

Marmalade is among the affected goods. Its 20% tariff and an additional £19 charge for each 100kg imported are set to be suspended.

Changes for carers and drivers

The package would change how carer’s allowance works when recipients earn above the current limit. Instead of losing the whole allowance, they would see payments reduced through a taper.

The government also plans to make permanent a tax-free mileage rate of 55p per mile for work travel up to 10,000 miles. For mileage beyond that, the rate would rise from 25p to 35p per mile.

Paternity pay and deliveries

Self-employed fathers would become eligible for two weeks of paternity pay under the proposals. They have previously been unable to receive payments of up to £194 a week for that period.

Hundreds of extra Post Office drop boxes are also planned to make parcel delivery easier. The government says it will support farmers facing higher fertiliser costs and households that depend on heating oil.

Fuel duty and political response

The BBC understands that fuel duty will be frozen again in the Budget. The government has presented the wider package as a response to everyday financial pressures. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government was addressing major national challenges while also tackling routine costs and unfairness. The Conservatives argued that higher borrowing costs, taxes and inflation had already wiped out the effect of such measures.