FairFuel looks beyond Autumn Statement as duty fight continues

The head of FairFuel UK (FFUK) Howard Cox has said the campaign remains very much alive and kicking, after the departure of co-founder Peter Carroll.

The FTA, RHA, Association of Pallet Networks and the RAC have all pledged their continuing support as the major backers of the campaign, with journalist Quentin Willson remaining on board as FFUK’s national spokesman.

Cox told Motortansport.co.uk that in recent weeks he had visited 40 MPs from across the political divide ahead of next week’s Autumn Statement, as FFUK continues its push for a reduction in fuel duty.

This comes in spite of the government signalling this summer that there would likely be a freeze for the remainder of the current parliament, something the FTA has challenged the chancellor to deliver.

Regardless, Cox said next year’s Budget was the big one for the campaign, as it was the last before the next General Election with politicians of all colours keen to garner votes.

“There will be a lot of groups asking for a tax cut in the Budget and we want to make sure that Fair Fuel is at the front of that particular queue,” said Cox.

However, he added that there would be a change in the direction of the campaign with a focus on the current debate in Westminster revolving around inflation and the cost of living – something that a reduction in fuel duty would addres,s as it remains a significant inflationary pressure for the UK.

“I’d ultimately like to move from fighting for tax cuts to a fairer taxation system,” said Cox.

Cox also urged any operators that hadn’t already demonstrated their support to do so by signing up for free at FairFuel UK, as mobilising support remained key to the campaign’s ability to achieve change.

• Motortransport.co.uk will have full coverage and reaction to the Autumn statement as it happens on the 5 December.