Fuel duty to be frozen for a ninth year in a row
Written by News on 03/10/2018
Fuel duty will be frozen for the ninth year in a row, Theresa May will announce in her speech closing the Conservative Party conference.
With prices at the pumps spiralling in recent months, she will claim the move demonstrates to people that the government is “on their side”.
The prime minister will say the difference it makes to have a “little bit of money left to put away at the end of the month” isn’t “measured in pounds and pence”.
“It’s the joy and precious memories that a week’s holiday with the family brings. It’s the peace of mind that comes with having some savings,” she will say.
“Many people in towns and cities across our country, cannot take these for granted. They are the people this party exists for. They are the people for whom this party must deliver.”
She will add: “It’s for them that we cut income tax, introduced a National Living Wage, extended free childcare. And froze fuel duty every year. Because for millions of people, their car is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
“Some have wondered if there would be a thaw in our fuel duty freeze this year. Today I can confirm that in the budget later this month, the chancellor will freeze fuel duty again.
“Money in the pockets of hard working people from a Conservative government that is on their side.”
Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “This has come at a significant cost to the Exchequer, but the high oil price and the near-record pump price of petrol and diesel are also imposing a significant burden on motorists.
“So we have decided that to support hardworking families, we will once again freeze fuel duty in the upcoming budget.”
The president of the AA, Edmund King, welcomed the move.
“The fuel duty freeze will bring relief to millions of drivers and businesses across the UK,” said Mr King.
“The high pump prices are already forcing many families to cut back on journeys, household expenditure or both.
“I had written to the chancellor on this issue so it is pleasing to see the prime minister deliver.”
(c) Sky News 2018: Fuel duty to be frozen for a ninth year in a row
