MP calls for lower fuel duty
RYEDALE’S Member of Parliament has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make the case for lower fuel duty and flooding insurance for at-risk houses in next month’s budget.
Anne McIntosh, the MP for Thirsk, Filey and Malton, fired off a letter to George Osborne yesterday ahead of the budget on March 20.
“The Treasury has announced that the rural fuel duty rebate pilot scheme has been a success and that the Treasury is minded to roll out the scheme to other areas,” said Miss McIntosh.
“I am making the strongest possible case for certain areas of Thirsk, Malton and Filey to be considered for the rural fuel duty rebate.
“I believe that our remote areas meet the criteria of distance from the pump that motorists have to travel and the price of fuel, both petrol but especially diesel. I am confident that we can meet the qualifying criteria to obtain the approval of the European Commission and EU State Aid rules.”
She argues that Ryedale has some of the highest fuel prices in the country with motorists having to travel further to the pump due its remote rural nature, something which is having a “crippling effect on many constituents and businesses.”
“High fuel duty is crippling the rural economy and having a high impact on families, the elderly and vulnerable, and businesses,” said Miss McIntosh. “Public services, school buses, waste collection and emergency services, are costing more to deliver in rural areas due to the high prices of fuel.”
She added: “In addition, the Statement of Principles expires at the end of June this year, leaving many houses at great risk of potential flooding with no insurance cover.”
“One option is to introduce an element of hypothecation, as the Prime Minister said some future roads would be built with funds collected from road taxes. In the same way, the levy raised on household contents and buildings insurance through the insurance premium tax could contribute in whole or most likely in part to a fund, out of which in a year of catastrophic flooding the number of houses facing losses to top up and underwrite what the insurance industry have floated.
“Rest assured, I am continuing to apply pressure regarding both these issues to get the best possible outcome for my constituents.”
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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