SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar and SNP Transport Spokesperson Angus MacNeil has written to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury, Danny Alexander, calling on the UK Government to introduce its rural fuel discount without delay.
The scheme was announced by Mr Alexander to Liberal Democrat conference on the 9th of October 2010 but no announcement has yet been made on the roll out of the scheme.
Mr MacNeil, who has campaigned for the scheme to be put in place before the New Year VAT rise, said:
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. The Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
“A litre of diesel already costs more than £1.40 in parts of my constituency. Hiking VAT and duty in the New Year will send it even higher.
“Danny Alexander promised to take action almost three months ago but so far noting has happened. They cannot drag their heels any longer.
“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action not warm words.”
