South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement in the Budget that the UK Government will continue the freeze on fuel duty.
Scottish Conservative Brian believes this is a welcome boost by the UK Government for rural motorists and businesses as they work to recover from the pandemic.
Since 2010, the Conservative Government at Westminster has had a freeze on fuel duty and in that time it’s saved the average driver about £2000 at the pumps.
Brian says the move shows the Chancellor recognised the impact higher fuel taxes would have on rural communities where there are fewer alternatives to the car.
Whittle, the party’s Environment, Biodiversity & Land Reform spokesman also highlighted the importance of delivering infrastructure in rural areas to support electric and hydrogen powered vehicles to tackle climate change.
Brian Whittle MSP said “I’m delighted that Rishi Sunak has continued the Conservatives’ support for rural communities by maintaining the fuel duty freeze for another year.
For people living and working in rural areas like Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, this boost from the UK Government will be more than welcome.
Many businesses in South Scotland will also feel the benefit as they look to rebuild and grow in the wake of the pandemic.
With a lack of public transport in rural areas, there’s often no alternative to the car for people living and working in many parts of the region.
In the long term, I know many drivers in rural areas will be looking to move to electric or hydrogen vehicles and I’m determined to push the Scottish Government to provide the infrastructure to make that a practical option.
Until then though, this welcome announcement by Rishi Sunak will help to keep fuel affordable for motorists who rely on it.”
