UK fuel duty cut is regressive policy that benefits the wealthy, study finds

Critics of the fuel duty cut say it helps the rich who tend to own more vehicles while doing ‘little for the economy’. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Observer

Retaining the fuel duty cut in the budget is a regressive policy that benefits the wealthiest in society, who will save £60 a year, while those who earn the least will save just £22, according to analysis.

Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday announced an extension of the 5p cut in fuel duty brought in during 2022, for which he has won plaudits across the rightwing press.