LIB DEMS CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR DRIVERS IN REMOTE, RURAL AREAS

9.55.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland is backing colleagues in the Scottish Parliament who are calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to work with the European Commission to allow variable rates of duty for remote, rural areas to bring down fuel prices.

The UK Budget contained plans to increase fuel duty, which is particularly difficult for remote and rural areas.

Jim Hume said:

"In the South of Scotland, people depend on their cars because of limited public transport. But they also face higher fuel prices.

"There is an opportunity for MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to stand up for drivers and businesses in remote and rural areas who are struggling with high fuel prices.

"MSPs should unite around the Libdem motion and call on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government and the European Commission. Together, before the UK Finance Bill is passed, they should agree to allow lower rates of duty for specified remote rural areas. This will allow a fairer price at the pumps, which will boost individuals and businesses at this difficult economic time."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

The text of the motion to be debated on Thursday (30th May) is below:

That the Parliament notes the UK Budget and the plans to increase fuel duty; recognises the high premium over the national average paid for fuel at filling stations in remote rural and particularly island areas and the financial and social impact this has on individuals and businesses; believes that increased fuel duty will have a damaging effect on the economy and competitiveness in these areas, not least due to the limited public transport alternatives; notes that current EU law allows fuel duty to be cut by up to 2.4p per litre and that this power is already used in France, Portugal and Greece; and calls on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government and the European Commission before the final passage of the Finance Bill to construct a derogation under the EU Energy Products Directive, or otherwise, to permit variable rates of duty for specified remote rural areas to bring down the price of fuel at the pump to that available in other parts of the UK.