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Students still required to pay full tuition fees even if universities are closed
Emily Sergeant -
4th May 2020
Emily Sergeant -
4th May 2020 News
The full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’ you’ll soon be able to get for cheaper in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Crisps, biscuits, avocado, and chewing gum are just a few of the items that are soon set to be available for cheaper in the UK.
First announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the Government has now published a list of more than 100 of key items that are set to see targeted cuts to tariffs, alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years and reducing VAT.
It covers a wide range of ‘everyday essentials’ – from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to,” Chancellor Reeves commented.
“My priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
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Full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’
- Garlic
- Gherkins
- Aubergines
- Sweet peppers
- Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
- Olives (fresh/chilled)
- Olives (for oil production)
- Olives (frozen)
- Plantains (fresh and dried)
- Bananas (fresh and dried)
- Limes
- Citrus fruits (various)
- Avocados
- Fresh figs
- Dried figs
- Other fresh fruits
- Frozen fruits
- Dried apricots
- Dried apples
- Dried peaches/nectarines
- Dried pears
- Dried papaya
- Mixed dried fruit
- Mixed nuts
- Mixed fruit and nuts
- Green tea
- Buckwheat
- Fonio
- Quinoa
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Olive oil (virgin)
- Olive oil (other)
- Margarine
- Mixed fats and oils
- Vegetable oils
- Chewing gum
- Liquorice products
- White chocolate
- Marzipan and pastes
- Throat pastilles
- Sugar confectionery
- Boiled sweets
- Toffees and caramels
- Sugar tablets
- Cocoa paste
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate (bulk and retail)
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
- Chocolate spreads
- Chocolate drink preparations
- Couscous
- Crispbread
- Gingerbread
- Biscuits
- Waffles and wafers
- Rusks
- Toasted bread products
- Bread
- Pizzas and quiches
- Pickled peppers
- Prepared vegetables
- Crisps
- Processed potatoes
- Baked beans
- Preserved beans
- Preserved vegetables
- Preserved tropical fruit
- Candied fruit
- Jams and marmalades
- Preserved citrus fruits
- Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
- Tomato ketchup
- Tomato sauces
- Soups and broths
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Plant-based drinks
The Government says these cuts support the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
The list of everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs comes after the Great British Summer Savings initiative was announced last week.
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Read more:
- Government to slash prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
- Millions of UK workers get pay rises as National Living and Minimum Wage increases
- £1 billion budget to ‘improve Manchester’ after 14 years of Government funding cuts
This means that, from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Featured Image – Aldi
News
Major ‘plan ahead’ travel warning issued for this weekend ahead of Great Manchester Run
Emily Sergeant
A major ‘plan ahead’ warning has been issued for Manchester this weekend.
Heading into the city centre this weekend? Yeah… you and everyone else by the sounds of it, as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is encouraging people to plan their journeys ahead of time as tens of thousands of people take to the streets for the 2026 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run this Sunday (31 May), whether they are taking part in it or just cheering the runners on.
Runners will either take on a 10K route through Salford, Trafford, and Manchester city centre, or tackle a half marathon route – which stretches further east, while passing some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks.
Both events start on Portland Street, near the junction with Oxford Street, and finish on Manchester’s main thoroughfare, Deansgate.
TfGM is advising anyone travelling on the day to allow extra time for their journeys and to check before they travel, as there will be a significant number of road closures and extensive bus diversions in place throughout race day.
Road users are being particularly encouraged to check the route and closures in advance, while bus passengers should check whether their services are impacted or diverted.
Trams are being billed as ‘the best way to travel on the day’.
Extra staff will be deployed across the Bee Network, particularly at the busiest stops, and more double-trams are set to be in service.
TfGM says it will be working alongside its partners – including Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the bus and tram operators – to monitor and respond to situations as they happen, and will also be working with local authority highways teams to get road restrictions lifted as soon as possible to help minimise any delays for the wider public.
“The Great Manchester Run is always one of the highlights of the city’s events calendar, bringing a fantastic festival atmosphere to the streets of Manchester, Trafford, and Salford,” commented Danny Vaughan, who is the Chief Network Officer.
“With tens of thousands of people expected to travel into the city region it will undoubtedly be a very busy day.
Read more:
- Great Manchester Run 2026 guide – route map, waves and start times, travel advice and more
- GRUB On The Docks returns to MediaCity this summer with street food, World Cup screenings, and more
- Government to slash prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
“We want to make sure everyone can take part in or enjoy the event, which is why we encourage people to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journey and check the latest travel information before setting off.”
For live travel updates on race day, head to the TfGM dedicated webpage here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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