News / More fuel duty cuts
MOTORISTS in the northern isles will breathe a temporary sigh of relief after Chancellor George Osborne postponed the proposed 3p increase in fuel duty until at least August 2012.
The announcement was welcomed by Shetland and Orkney MP Alistair Carmichael who said the good news came on top of the 5p duty derogation for island communities, confirmed only last week.
“The steps that the coalition has taken to support local motorists mean that the price of fuel is substantially less per litre now than would have been the case if Labour had remained in power,” he said.
He also welcomed that the state pension and most benefits will be increased in line with inflation at 5.2 per cent.
“The government has always made clear that the books would not be balanced on the backs of the poorest. Despite the difficult economic circumstances, that is what ministers are delivering,” he said.
A full copy of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement can be seen online at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_136_11.htm.
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