MP calls for further measures to help north-east motorists
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has called on the UK Government to look further at what can be done to tackle the rising cost of fuel on motorists.
After news that the average price for filling a tank of fuel had topped £100, David tabled a question to the Treasury asking what further measures will be introduced.
In his Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced a 5p cut in fuel duty. However, since then average fuel prices have jumped nearly 30p.
Additionally, there were reports that some fuel vendors were not passing on this cut to motorists. The Business Secretary, Kwai Kwarteng has contacted them reminding them of their obligations to do so and has said that the Competitions and Market Authority able to act.
But with fuel prices continuing to rise and for businesses like driving schools and taxi services, as well as rural residents who rely on cars to travel, The MP has called on the Government to go further.
Mr Duguid said: "In rural areas like Banff and Buchan, there is often no option but to take a car as public transport is not a viable option for many of my constituents.
"Businesses which depend on using cars, such as driving schools are facing higher overheads.
"If prices continue to rise, these businesses will face no choice but to pass on costs to their customers, who are often young or on low incomes themselves.
"I welcome the action the Government has taken so far, including the 5p fuel duty cut.
"But, with prices rising as they have, that 5p has been superceded and then some and so I have asked the Chancellor what more can be done for motorists."
