News
9th April 09
4/9/2009
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA is deeply concerned at the Government’s decision to impose a further 2p a per litre increase in fuel duty which came into effect on 1 April 2009.
GOVERNMENT NOW EXTRACTING 66p IN TAXES ON EVERY LITRE OF FUEL- ELLIOTT
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA is deeply concerned at the Government’s decision to impose a further 2p a per litre increase in fuel duty which came into effect on 1 April 2009. This will add a further burden to motorists and businesses, in a region which is heavily dependant on road transport.
Tom said: “Northern Ireland’s fight against relentlessly rising fuel costs are well known and the costs here are much higher than many other regions in the UK and for a Chancellor to impose a further increase in duty in these troubled times shows a cynical disregard for many small businesses, medium sized companies and motorists. It will in fact have serious effect on everyone.
“This means that petrol will increase to at least 93p per litre, making fuel tax a staggering 71% of the price at the pumps. Fuel tax is made up of a fixed duty which is now 54.19p added to vat of 12.13p which means that 66p per litre goes directly to the Treasury Tax Revenue pot, to be spent on anything the Government chooses, and not to strengthen our failing road system in Northern Ireland. This increase combined with high insurance costs in Northern Ireland will add another £30 per month to the average motorists in the province.
“Northern Ireland motorists will face further increases, as planned for April 2010 and the one off temporary VAT cut will return at the start of 2010. For a region so heavily dependent on road transport for goods coming into and out of the country it will add thousands of pounds to the transport bills of companies across every sector and also add further strain on many household budgets throughout Northern Ireland. It seems that the poor motorist has to contribute towards failing banks and are a soft touch for the present Government but never see any tangible improvement in our roads”
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