BORDERS MP SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN FOR RURAL TAX FUEL CONCESSION

8.49.31am GMT Sun 8th Jun 2008

Borders MP Michael Moore is supporting the efforts of his colleague and Highland MP, Danny Alexander, to win a lower rate of fuel duty for residents in rural areas.

The parliamentarians wish to see the introduction of a Rural Fuel Discount Scheme, which is modelled on the system already in place in several other European countries, including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal.

The Rural Fuel Discount Scheme is being proposed in Parliament by the Liberal Democrat parliamentarians as an amendment to the Finance Bill. Commenting, Mr Moore said:

"The impact of the high rate of fuel duty on rural areas has never been greater than it is now. Indeed over the past few weeks my postbag has regularly been full of letters from constituents expressing their concerns about the high price of fuel.

"Households which have few, if any, options other than to travel significant distances by car are being hit harder and harder. It is a major constraint on the entire rural economy.

"I sincerely hope that Labour and Conservative MPs - who blocked any action on this issue when it was introduced last year - will reconsider their approach, as action is needed urgently to help motorists in rural areas cope with the rising price of fuel. It is vital that we take concrete measures to alleviate this problem at the earliest opportunity."