Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans and the Liberal Democrats’ Treasury Spokesperson, has (on 19th October) set out the party’s calls for a “breathing space package” in the Autumn Budget on 28th October.
According to official ONS figures, St Albans saw 515 businesses close their doors in the first half of 2026 – a net loss of 80 businesses as closures overtook new openings.
Households are also facing a cliff edge of support next year. Without action, they will see an energy price cap rise in January, a rail fare hikes of 4.2% in March, and in April, a twin blow of VAT returning on electricity and council tax rises.
Daisy and her Liberal Democrat colleagues are clear that the Labour government must act to address these pressures, through a package to cut energy bills, transport prices and costs for high street hospitality businesses over the next year and a half.
This includes:
- An Essential Energy Guarantee, which would cut the average household’s energy bill by £100 a year, through a discounted energy allowance for every household and greater support for those who are vulnerable high-energy users.
- An emergency transport package to slash petrol prices and public transport costs by cutting fuel duty by 10p, VAT on public charging for EVs, slashing bus fares to £1 and rail fares by 10%.
- Measures to relieve cost pressures for struggling high street businesses, through a temporary 5p VAT cut for hospitality, attractions and accommodation, which would also reduce the cost of going out.
This would all be funded by a windfall tax on the unearned profits of big banks, a clawback of unnecessary support to the energy network monopolies, and extra Treasury receipts from Trumpflation.
Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans and Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson, said:
“I know that St Albans families and businesses are still feeling the squeeze which is why I’ve demanded that the government deliver on their promise to give people breathing space.
“People are working hard, paying tax, and should get a decent life in return. But instead they’re seeing their bills go up and up, and the little extras that make life worth living – such as a meal out with the family or a pint with a friend – becoming more and more unaffordable.
“That’s why we Liberal Democrats are calling for a Budget that gives people the breathing space they need. Our emergency package would slash energy bills, transport costs, and give high streets a fighting chance, leaving people with a little bit more money left over at the end of each month.
“I know how desperately this is needed – in St Albans and across the country: next week is the Chancellor’s opportunity to deliver it.”
Alongside these calls, Daisy recently laid out the party’s long-term plan to Get Britain Growing Again, to kickstart the economy and support businesses, innovation and jobs in St Albans and across the country.
