Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Farmers: Fuel Costs

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government cut red diesel fuel duty by a third.
  • Government is consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules.
  • Farmers with expiring agreements may be able to apply early for SFI 2026.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support farmers with fuel costs. During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers had already taken mitigation measures for fuel, energy, and fertiliser costs, especially with changing weather patterns threatening food security.

Answer from Emma Reynolds

This Government have cut red diesel fuel duty by a third, reducing rates to their lowest level in 20 years. We are also consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules and working with farmers to boost efficiency of fertiliser use.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether other reliefs for food security will be looked at during the war continuation

How: Keeping All Plans Under Review

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Q2 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.

Question

During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers in my constituency had already taken steps to mitigate costs for fuel, energy and fertiliser. With changing weather patterns also threatening food security, will the Department look at other reliefs for our farmers?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

The government's decision to scrap the planned rise in fuel duty and cut red diesel duty is good news. We are keeping all plans under review and consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules so that farmers can diversify their sources of fertiliser.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address ensuring food security during the war continuation

How: Keeping All Plans Under Review

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Q3 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton constituency are facing significant rises in red diesel and fertiliser costs, impacting their financial margins.

Question

How quickly will applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 be processed? Can farmers with agreements expiring this year apply ahead of time?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

We have recently published draft guidance for SFI 2026 and will open the first window soon for small farms and those without an agreement. We are looking at whether we can ensure that farmers with agreements expiring later this year or early next year can apply before their agreements expire.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific timelines for application processing and payments

How: Looking At What Can Be Done

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