MP welcomes government comments on rural fuel discounts

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed comments made by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, suggesting that the government is considering fuel discounts in rural areas.

The comments made by Danny Alexander on the BBC Politics Show suggest a fuel stabiliser is being considered by the government, alongside fuel discounts for rural areas. The fuel stabiliser would mean pegging fuel duty to the price of oil so that if there is an increase in the price of oil, the proportion of tax goes down, and vice versa, meaning that consumers would see a more stable price for fuel.

The fuel duty discount which is being considered by the government would help drivers in more remote communities such as the Scottish Highlands and parts of rural England, as it has been recognised that more help is needed for fuel costs in rural areas.

Commenting, Tim said; "This is certainly a step in the right direction towards a fairer deal for people who use their cars in rural areas. In constituencies such as Westmorland and Lonsdale, cars are a necessity not a luxury with rural areas being harder to access with public transport. The recent increase in fuel prices has hit the South Lakes hard, so I am pleased that the government is looking into helping those most in need."