Reports suggest that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to ditch any plans for a five pence rise in fuel duty much to the relief of rural motorists.
This would continue the freeze on fuel duty under the Conservative Government who first introduced the policy in 2010, which has saved the average motorist in the Highlands over £1,000 in the last decade.
Edward Mountain MSP is also calling on the SNP to stand up for rural motorists and condemns the SNP Government for lobbying for a hike on in fuel duty on hard-pressed families.
Edward Mountain MSP says that would have an absolutely devastating impact on rural communities where there is a lack of public transport and would hamper the efforts to rebuild local communities after the pandemic.
Commenting, Edward Mountain MSP said: “The freeze on fuel duty over the last decade has been hugely welcome for motorists right across the rural communities of the Highlands and Islands.
“If reports suggesting Rishi Sunak is set to extend it again are true then that is of huge relief. The UK Conservative Government have helped save motorists in the Highlands and Islands over £1,000 over the last decade.
“As we focus on rebuilding our economy and communities after the pandemic, it is vital that the freeze stays in place.
“The SNP’s campaign to hike taxes for motorists shows how out of touch they continue to be with our rural communities.
“Communities in the Highlands and Islands have extremely limited access to public transport and the freeze in fuel duty has been a lifeline.
“If Rishi Sunak confirms the freeze in next weeks Budget, then I will be proud to back it.”
