Rural Fuel Rebate dries up in Westminster

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Jul 2008

An amendment to the Finance Bill, which would have seen fuel tax cut in remote rural areas, has today been voted down in Westminster by the Labour Government and the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrat amendment sought to give a rebate to petrol stations in remote areas, enabling them to reduce pump prices to a level similar to urban stations.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire commented on the news: "I am disappointed that the Conservatives and Labour chose not to support the amendment which would have allowed for lower prices in rural areas which are being hit the hardest by rising fuel prices.

"Clearly in the long-term we must increase public transport provisions, extend walking and cycling facilities and look to alternative sources of fuel for vehicles but in the short term the government must take all the action available to ease pressure on rural communities.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign for a rural fuel rebate and Roger Williams MP will be at cattle markets across the constituency over the next month getting people involved.

"People in Powys have to pay around 2p more for a litre of unleaded than in places such as Shrewsbury and Birmingham. We are therefore calling upon the Government to obtain permission from the EU so that they can introduce a fuel rebate for those living in rural areas, as has already been done in France, Portugal and Greece.

"If anyone would like a campaign postcard they can contact the Brecon office on 01874 625739."

Notes:

The amendment was voted down by 305 to 67, with the Government voting against and the Conservatives abstaining.