Motorists 'crucified by rising price of fuel'
Millions of motorists are in "fuel poverty" because of huge taxes charged at the forecourt, the MP leading a rebellion in the Commons said today.
Robert Halfon said families were being "crucified" by sky-high petrol prices. He said: "The average motorist in my constituency is paying about £1,700 a year on petrol or diesel, about a tenth of his income. That is a huge amount. In essence, motorists are facing fuel poverty."
The term is usually used to describe families who cannot afford to heat their homes. The Government defines fuel poverty as where a householder spends a tenth or more of his or her income on fuel.
About 100 Tory MPs were set to rebel tonight by backing Mr Halfon's motion calling on the Chancellor to consider lower duties. Eighty three Conservatives signed the motion despite Downing Street saying there will be a whip against.
The Treasury denied a report that claimed George Osborne was already considering cancelling a three pence rise due in January. Today's debate was called after 110,000 people signed one of the Government's new e-petitions calling for a duty cut. Labour called for a three per cent cut in VAT on petrol.
Shadow treasury minister Owen Smith said: "With our economic recovery choked off well before the recent eurozone crisis we need action."
AA president Edmund King said seven in 10 were cutting back on journeys or other expenditure even though many needed the car to get about. "They cut back on other things - things like the weekly shopping," he said.
