Premier Ellis Webster pledged this week to alleviate the cost of living for all residents in Anguilla when he unveiled his fiscal plan for next year.
He said the government’s 2025 Budget includes measures to eliminate goods and services tax on essential food items and implement significant changes to the bulk petroleum levy
“We are acutely aware of the pressures our people face with the rising cost of living,” he told the Anguilla House of Assembly on Monday, 9 December.
“That is why this administration has made carefully considered adjustments to our tax policies to provide targeted relief where it matters most.
“We are essentially removing the goods and services tax from food items to alleviate the burden on households, ensuring that every Anguillian family has greater access to affordable nutrition.
“Additionally, we are reforming the bulk petroleum levy to ease the impact of fluctuating fuel prices, which affect everything from transportation to energy costs.”
Webster said that the government is committed to ensuring that its fiscal policies reflect compassion and understanding of the realities faced by the people.
Medium term
Webster went into some further detail in a series of Facebook posts on 22 November labeled as highlights from the 2025-2027 Medium Term Economic and Fiscal Plan.
In one, he talks about cutting tax on food items and said each tax measure is “carefully weighed, strategically planned, and sustainably implemented”.
“We understand that any changes to our revenue framework must not only meet immediate needs but also support Anguilla’s ability to invest in health, education, and infrastructure,” he said.
“These are not minor decisions, and they cannot be made lightly. In this plan, we’re delivering impactful relief to the people of Anguilla.”
The premier said the government has accounted for the removal of goods and services tax on all food items, with the exception of confectionaries and alcohol.
“This isn’t just a tax adjustment; it’s a well-considered move to keep food costs manageable and directly support our families,” he said.
In another post, he spoke about reforming the bulk petroleum levy and said it is a step that has been fully costed and incorporated into the government’s financial framework.
“It’s a carefully crafted approach to a fairer, stronger Anguilla, one where we make every dollar work in service of our shared future,” he said.
The finance minister said fiscal plans are dynamic forces and must evolve and respond to changing needs, but they must also operate within a structure that secures Anguilla’s future.
