Speaking after raising the issue at Prime Ministers Questions Sir Jeffrey said,
"Households across the UK are struggling to cope in the face of rising costs for heating and fuel. The cost of heating a home has more than doubled for many households in Northern Ireland over recent weeks.
Earlier this week I wrote to the Chancellor calling for action on the cost of living crisis. There are actions the Government could take to mitigate the impact of these price rises. The Prime Minister should announce a package which would help households including to cut VAT on home heating fuel and cutting fuel excise duty for motorists.
These measures however must apply to all parts of the United Kingdom equally. The Northern Ireland Protocol means the Government can't take control of issues impacting all of its citizens. The Protocol stands as a stumbling block to cutting VAT on home heating fuel because Northern Ireland is tied to the EU's VAT regime. The Government not only needs to act, but must act to protect everyone in the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister has stated that he will make sure that people across the whole of the United Kingdom will be supported. That is a welcome reassurance, but people struggling to cope with rising bills will want to see it quickly followed with action."
Sir Jeffrey challenges Prime Minister to help all UK households with cost of living crisis
09 Mar, 2022
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has challenged the Prime Minister to bring forward a package of measures to asset people with the cost of living crisis. He also said that any government assistance must benefit everyone in the United Kingdom despite the stumbling blocks put in the way of such help by the Northern Ireland Protocol.
