A cross-party group of MPs joined FairFuelUK (FFUK) and its backers today, to deliver a letter to 10 Downing Street calling for a 3ppl reduction in fuel duty in next week's Budget.
MPs from the Conservative, Labour, Scottish National Party and Democratic Unionist Party joined FairFuelUK spokesman Quentin Willson and campaign supporters the FTA, RHA, UKLPG and APN, to call for a cut to stimulate the UK economy.
The letter references a ComRes Poll of 2,032 adults conducted for FFUK, that shows two thirds (69%) or respondents would like to see the government reduce the level of fuel duty in the next budget by at least 1p; three in five (59%) would like a reduction of at least 3p, while a third (31%) want a reduction of 10p.
RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning, who attended the event, said: “The Road Haulage Association acknowledges the fact that the UK rate of fuel duty, currently standing at 57.95ppl has been held down by the Coalition and also welcomes the decision that there should be no increase in fuel duty in this parliament.
"However, UK fuel duty is still by far the highest in the EU, impacting on UK firms’ competitiveness and cash flow and holding back the ability of hauliers to invest in equipment, vehicles and people.
“Surely the time has now come to finally end all speculation and come up with solution that will benefit Britain’s vital haulage industry while not putting the Treasury at a financial disadvantage?" said Dunning.
Karen Dee, FTA’s director of policy, was also present. She said: “FTA believes that the chancellor could give the economy a real boost by reducing fuel duty by 3ppl in the Budget on 19 March, as well as easing the pressure on struggling businesses.
"Research has shown that the cut in fuel duty would make an enormous difference to the ‘pockets’ of freight operators, and that the Chancellor would get his money back through higher tax receipts from increased employment and improving trade."
