Former chancellor Alistair Darling calls for emergency VAT cut

Move to stimulate spending as part of Covid-19 recovery plan makes sense, says politician

The former chancellor Alistair Darling has urged the government to consider an emergency cut in VAT amid growing speculation that the Treasury will make a tax cut on consumer spending the centre of a plan to boost Britain's post-Covid-19 recovery.

Rishi Sunak will announce a package of measures in early July intended to help those sectors of the economy, such as retailing, recover from the impact of a three-month lockdown.

Electric vehicle-charging infrastructure investment, a rare example of a shovel-ready" project.

Gigabit-capable broadband, due to probable changing patterns of working in future.

Investment in energy R&D, notably hydrogen, to help the UK decarbonise.

Health-related infrastructure such as green walking and cycling routes.

Transport upgrades, including support for local authorities, national parks and landowners such as the National Trust to encourage walking and cycling.

Improving (and where possible adding to) public parks, sport, leisure and swimming facilities.