Joe Robertson has joined a campaign with over seventy Members of Parliament urging the Chancellor to keep the costs of fuel down at the Budget.
In a joint letter to Rachel Reeves, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP alongside dozens of Conservative MPs, tell the Chancellor to consider the impact of a rise in fuel duty on low-income families, small businesses and logistics industry.
Fuel duty has remained frozen for the last 14 years, currently standing at 6p less than when Labour were last in power. This has benefitted Britain's 37 million motorists and businesses. However due to instability in the Middle East, oil prices remain volatile which means it is essential the Chancellor helps to keep the cost of fuel down at the Budget.
Latest evidence from the Centre for Economic Business Research predicts that raising fuel duty will only bring about short-term benefits for the Treasury and the long-term impact of raising fuel duty could lead to a collapse in revenue by 60% within five years.
Analysis from FairFuelUK indicates the impact on family finances if fuel duty is increased by 5p is estimated to add £160 to annual fill- up costs, whilst the average commercial van could see costs spiral by £500. Joe Robertson also suggests that these costs would be unavoidable for constituents in rural communities who don't have access to public transport.
Joe Robertson joined MPs and called for the Government to continue the delivery and roll-out of Conservative Government's PumpWatch scheme, which allowed motorists to locate the lowest forecourt pump prices. The MPs argue this would protect motorists, families, and businesses across the UK.
Joe said, "I am delighted to sign this letter with over 70 of my colleagues to demand the Chancellor does not punish motorists at the Budget. The prospect of a rise in fuel hangs over residents in my East Wight constituency and there is no indication that the current Government will stand by motorists, families and businesses across the United Kingdom and keep fuel prices down."
