HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has described the Government’s decision to scrap January's planned hike in fuel duty as a "victory" for his campaign to drive down the spiralling cost of fuel on the nation’s forecourts.
The decision to postpone any increase in the tax until August next year was announced during Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement yesterday (Tuesday, November 29).
Mr Halfon said the U-turn proved the Government had taken notice of the high-profile campaign he has run in conjunction with pressure group FairFuelUK, which recently won the backing of more than 100 MPs during a commons debate triggered after an e-petition calling for action on fuel prices attracted over 100,000 signatures.
"I welcome the fact that this Government has listened and scrapped the fuel duty bombshell that had been planned for January 2012," the Tory backbencher told the Star.
"High petrol prices are literally adding to our dole queues and causing a poverty trap as Harlow people cannot afford to drive to work.
"According to figures from the RAC, scrapping the fuel duty rise will save every Harlow motorist £30 next year - a total of £1m for the 37,000 motorists in Harlow."
Peter Carroll of FairFuelUK welcomed the announcement but said there was plenty of work still to be done.
"Petrol and diesel remain far too expensive, and we will be fighting on to try and make the Government understand that the economy needs an actual cut in fuel duty," he said.
"A cut would create jobs, give people a little more disposable income and stimulate the economy - this will mean that the Government and the Chancellor will gain, not lose, by cutting duty."
