AA research reveals that the UK continues to levy the highest level of road fuel tax in the EU – despite four years of a fuel duty freeze. Analysis of road fuel tax levels in Europe shows that, despite UK fuel duty being frozen at 57.95p since March 2011, drivers in this country still pay the biggest chunk (69 per cent) per litre than those in other European countries.
“The PRA welcomes the news that seventeen of the UK’s most rural communities are a step closer to getting up to a 5p per litre fuel price cut. The government’s Rural Fuel Rebate scheme has today cleared the major hurdle gaining European Commission (EC) approval”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association.
“This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, once again exhorted oil companies and retailers to pass on the full benefit of reducing crude oil prices to motorists and businesses”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association.
An article in The Scotsman says that there are warnings that the UK Government might restore the unpopular fuel duty escalator system due to falling oil prices and falling North Sea tax revenue. Three years ago George Osborne introduced a fuel stabiliser system as oil prices surged above $115 a barrel. He said “the escalator […]
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has raised their concerns following comments that the industry will be warned for the first time by the Treasury to pass on price cuts to motorists. Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has vowed to write to all main fuel suppliers and distributors for “assurance” that they will pass on the benefits of falling crude oil prices to consumers “as quickly as possible”.
The million UK Supporters of the FairFuelUK Campaign call on Danny Alexander to set up an OFT Enquiry into the pricing process at the pumps. FairFuelUK says that Alexander’s call for oil companies and retailers to lower prices is a bit rich and opportunistic when the Government already takes over 62 per cent in Tax. FairFuelUK has called for a 3p cut in duty since it has proven that cutting duty is good for growth, new jobs and lowering inflation. For an essential resource so important to the public, haulage industry, businesses and the economy, why is there no transparent pricing control?
While applauding the Prime Minister's pledge to "keep going" to block future fuel duty rises, the Road Haulage Association is still, as one of the original backers of the hugely successful campaign group FairFuelUK, committed to finding a permanent solution to the thorny issue of high fuel prices.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has delivered the latest UK budget including the cancellation of planned fuel duty increases. Other key points include confirmation that the income tax threshold will be raised to £10,000 by next year and the first £2000 will be taken off all employers’ National Insurance bills. Growth is forecast to be 0.6 per cent this year, with £3 billion promised for infrastructure investment as a way of improving this. Beer duty will be cut by 1p a pint.
Patrick McLoughlin has been named Transport Secretary, replacing Justine Greening. As Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, McLoughlin was formerly chief whip and parliamentary secretary to the treasury.
The news that rail fares in the UK are set to rise by up to 6.2 per cent in the New Year might well have made tyre dealers optimistic of more business, but rail users aren't happy and they are not alone.
The Road Haulage Association is pleased that to date, 28 MPs have pledged their support to scrap the proposed 3p per litre rise in fuel duty, due on 1st August.
"It's great news that these MPs have come out in support of scrapping the August 3ppl increase", said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning.
A new report commissioned by the RAC Foundation suggests that the Treasury will need to make up a shortfall in fuel duty caused by more efficient cars. The Association of British Drivers suggests that drivers are subsidising general taxation by far too much already and that redressing this imbalance should be the priority.
With the Government’s Office of Budget Responsibility reporting that it has upped its UK growth forecast to 0.8 per cent this year, and with the statisticians no longer talking about the country being in technical recession, some may have expected the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, to have addressed the continuing rise in fuel prices by freezing fuel duty increases. It didn’t happen. Much to the chagrin of fleet-based business this was despite recognizing that high oil prices are “a great concern across the world". Other highlights include plans to simplify small business taxation, reduce corporation tax and dispense with the 50 pence tax rate.
UK chancellor, Alistair Darling announced in the Budget that UK fuel duty will increase by two pence per litre on 1 September 2009, and will be followed by an additional penny – in real terms – every year between 2010 and 2013. The measure is designed to “support the public finances, while also driving the move to a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy”. The Budget predicts that the move will “save 2 MtCO2 per year by 2013-14”, while also providing additional funds for “medium-term fiscal consolidation” (otherwise known as propping up the public coffers with your hard-earned).
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