Fuel duty cut 'call for evidence' extended thanks to local MP
South Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling on local garages to respond to the government after he was able to extend the Treasury's 'call for evidence' on the scheme to cut fuel duty in rural areas. Tim has long campaigned to include Cumbria in the area considered for fuel duty cuts, after a successful trial in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
The supplementary call for information, which lasts until the 6th December, is designed to allow retailers which did not submit data as part of the original call for information a second opportunity to respond. The government aims to submit its application to the European Commission in January. Tim has previously welcomed the news that Kirkby-in-Furness has been formally submitted to the European Commission by the Government for an up to a five pence per litre cut in fuel duty for rural areas.
Tim is asking petrol stations to send their price details to: rhmtruralfuelrebate@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk
Tim said: "I'm delighted that the Treasury has acted on my representations and re-opened the call for evidence. Now we need local retailers to send in their information as soon as possible!
"For the last three years I have fought to try and cut fuel prices for people in Cumbria. The recent announcement is welcome for residents in Kirkby in Furness but we need to go even further and widen the area available for a 5p cut. I will keep working to make that happen. I have told the Government that in rural areas like ours a car is not a luxury, it is a necessity and people need more help, and the best way to do that is to bring in a wider scheme that would cut prices at the pump by 5p across South Lakeland and Eden."