MACNEIL CALLS ON PM FOR ISLAND FUEL RELIEF

MACNEIL CALLS ON PM FOR ISLAND FUEL RELIEF



SCHEME MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE VAT HIKE



SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus MacNeil, today (Wednesday) called on the Prime Minister to introduce an Islands’ Rural Fuel Derogation before the January VAT hike comes into force. 



Commenting after Prime Minister’s Questions where he raised the issue, Mr MacNeil MP said:



“The Liberals and Tories inflicted a VAT hike which will hit those already struggling with sky high fuel prices especially hard.



“Road users in my constituency are paying more tax per litre than anywhere else in the UK. Only this week a constituent who works in Benbecula but who lives in South Uist told me that the price of fuel at around £1.35-£1.40 means that it is becoming too expensive for her to travel to work.



“The VAT hike inflicted by the Tories and the Lib Dems yesterday will make rural fuel even more expensive and action must be taken without delay.



“The Prime Minister has pledged his government to look at the issue and I am optimistic measures will be in place by January 2011 to make life a little easier for rural road users.”