Many hundreds of people will be at Parliament, lobbying their MPs for lower fuel prices. And no wonder. The average motorist on average earnings is paying a tenth of their income paying for the cost of fuel.
Previously, the Government have done much to reduce fuel prices - cutting taxes last year and stopping the planned January rise - we believe more must be done.
A temporary VAT cut - would not be the answer. Not only would this cost £12 billion and push up average mortgages by £1,000 a year (because the money would have to be borrowed), but most businesses don't pay VAT so would not benefit.
That is why I have amended the Labour Party Commons Motion on cutting fuel duty - which you can see above and here: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2788.
Remember, Labour, escalated the fuel escalator and pushed up fuel duties in their budgets - that caused much of the problem we face today - it is good that the new Conservative-led Government stopped their planned rises. In fact, petrol duty is now ten pence lower than it would have been under Labour.
I support the Fair Fuel campaign. Its refreshing to see pressure to reduce fuel duty. I work 48 miles away from my home, meaning a 96 round trip daily. The cost of this is becoming prohibitive. Train fares are also increasing, the daily fee for my commute £20.80. The maths show that this is an enourmous chunk of my salary, on top of my income tax. I am just over the high rate tax threshold, so will also lose my child benefit - I soon won't be able to afford to get to work!!
ReplyDeleteMore money could be saved by cutting out the complicated bureacratic night mare of road tax.
ReplyDeleteJust have a flat rate of say £5 for all cars to cover admin fees requred for the checking of details like confirming the vehicle is insured and if necessary has an MOT. Different amounts could apply for goods vehicles but my prefernce would be for a flat rate as Checking insurance and MOT should be the same for all vehicles.
Tax on fuel is the only fair method of taxation as you can't avoid it it is the same for everybody rich or poor.