Cost of living: the pros and cons of ministers’ ideas to ease crisis
The cabinet has been discussing ways of lessening the burden on families and individuals struggling amid the cost of living crisis, in particular by coming up with “non-fiscal” proposals that do not involve increasing taxes.
They include ideas which have been put forward by Boris Johnson, and others that have already been in circulation.
This proposal was said to have come from the prime minister, who was reported to have suggested lowering legal requirements in England stipulating that there must be at least one member of staff for every three children in groups aged two years and under.
Pros: Many nurseries have found themselves stretched in terms of staffing and having to bring in agency workers. Parents and guardians have had to foot the bill in terms of increased fees.
Cons: Looking after a group of toddlers can be a challenging, perhaps at times terrifying, task for any number of carers. The idea only helps parents with children under three years. The coalition government abandoned plans to lower child-to-staff ratios.
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, is said to have suggested reducing the need for an annual MOT. Currently MOTs must be carried out on every vehicle that is three years old or over.
Pros: Avoiding the need to renew an MOT certificate could save drivers up to £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.
Cons: The idea is all very good in practice until a car is involved in an accident and someone gets killed. The AA also opposes it on the basis that it would still lead to increased bills from repairs.
Food stuffs from overseas, such as rice and oranges, would be among those which might come down in price at supermarkets if tariffs were lifted.
Pros: The move could save under-pressure consumers
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