Spring statement 2026: What it means for your fleet costs
Spring statement 2026 guide by Stephen Buckley, Sales Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions, Burnley
The Spring Statement 2026 landed this afternoon and, for fleets across Lancashire and beyond, it felt a little like watching the fuel gauge hover just above empty. Plenty of anticipation, not much movement.
As Sales Manager here in Burnley, I have already had customers on the phone asking the same question. What does this mean for our fuel and EV costs?
Here is the straight answer.
Spring statement 2026 fuel duty decision: frozen but no further relief
The Chancellor confirmed that the 5p per litre fuel duty cut will remain in place until 31 August 2026. However, there were no additional measures announced to ease pressure on drivers or fleet operators.
With ongoing tensions in the Middle East pushing up wholesale oil prices, industry groups had urged the Government to reconsider future fuel duty increases. That did not happen.
There are warnings that if crude prices continue to rise, pump prices could follow. Others have urged retailers to pass on increases fairly and not react too quickly.
For fleets, the key word right now is volatility. Even short term disruption in global supply can ripple through to the forecourt.
Spring statement 2026 and EV charging VAT: no change for public charging
There was also no movement on VAT for public EV charging in the Spring Statement 2026.
Despite calls to reduce the 20 percent VAT rate on public charging to match the 5 percent domestic rate, and following a recent tax tribunal ruling, no change was announced.
For businesses running electric vehicles without access to off street charging, this remains a challenge. Many in the industry see it as a missed opportunity to boost confidence in EV adoption.
The Government did reinforce its commitment to economic stability, with growth forecasts of 1.1 percent in 2026, rising to 1.6 percent in 2027 and 2028. Inflation is forecast to sit around the 2 percent target in the years ahead.
What the spring statement 2026 means for UK fleet operators
Here is the honest view from the ground in Burnley.
We cannot control global oil markets. We cannot set VAT policy. What we can control is how well your business is protected against rising and unpredictable costs.
There has never been a more important time to make sure you have everything in place to:
• Secure the best possible price at the pumps with the right fuel card
• Monitor and manage fuel usage properly
• Charge EVs in the most cost effective way on the road
• Install business homecharge solutions for drivers
• Optimise routes to reduce unnecessary mileage
• Improve driver behaviour to cut fuel burn and wear and tear
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, that means looking at the full picture. From fuel cards that give you transparent pricing with no hidden extras and no automated uplifts, to EV charge cards for public networks, to business homecharge support for your drivers.
It also means using route optimisation and driver behaviour monitoring to make sure every mile is working for you, not against you.
Spring statement 2026: stability starts with fleet cost control
When the headlines talk about rising oil prices and potential increases at the pump, it is easy to feel exposed.
But fleets that actively manage their data, their routes and their refuelling strategy are always in a stronger position than those simply reacting to pump prices.
The Spring Statement 2026 may not have delivered new relief. That makes it even more important that your fleet strategy does.
If you would like to review your current fuel cards, EV charging set up or telematics, my team in Burnley and I are here to help.
Let us make sure you are not leaving margin on the forecourt.
