Scottish MPs call for fuel duty relief in next Budget

Scottish MPs Malcolm Bruce and Sir Robert Smith have called on the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to address the concerns of constituents by providing relief on fuel prices in time for this year's Budget statement.

In a letter to Danny Alexander MP, the MPs welcomed recent comments from the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary regarding discussions on a possible fuel regulator.

Speaking Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon said:

"I recognise that market forces will inevitably cause prices at the pump to rise but the current spike in fuel prices has been compounded by the double tax increase of VAT and fuel duty introduced in the New Year.

"The concern is that a lack of consistency in any price rises will dent consumer confidence and will have a real day-to-day impact on families in the rural areas of my constituency and beyond. The Treasury must do all it can to provide relief at this difficult time and I believe a fuel duty regulator offers the best chance of doing this."

Sir Robert Smith, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine added:

"I have been speaking to constituents who have expressed their frustration at the sharp increase in fuel prices. Although it is a complicated process I hope that Treasury can make a fuel duty regulator feasible for the long-term and if necessary can provide some short-term relief for those motorists who have little alternative to the car."