LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 16
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FairFuelUK campaign calls for more industry backing
LAST MONTH’S FIGURES reveal UK economic growth is sluggish at 0.2%. Major business organisations such as the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) have downgraded their growth forecast. The outlook is bleak. The IMF is urging consideration of economic stimulus. At the same time, the vital oxygen of the economy, road fuel in the form of petrol and diesel, is pushing new highs in price.
Recent igures also show that with fuel prices at this level, even the Treasury is collecting less revenue despite the high rate of duty. To pierce this sea of gloom, we are calling on the Chancellor to abandon any plans to increase fuel duty scheduled for January 2012 and instead to cut it now.
Though politically bold, such a move would offer the combined beneits of stimulating growth, reducing inlation, improving business margins and generating a much needed ‘feel good’ factor among consumers. Additionally, the Chancellor would be more likely to gain tax revenue as demand for fuel rises.
We urge all involved in the road freight industry to redouble their efforts in support of the FairFuelUK campaign, now widely recognised as the leading fuel campaign group. The more signatures we can add to our 180,000 on www.fadrfueluk.com, the more powerful our argument will be. Without such a move, we fear that the road ahead is deeply depressing.
Peter Carroll (FairFuelUK), Robert Halfon MP, Theo de Pencier (FTA), Geoff Dunning (RHA) and Andrew Tink (RAC)