I have recently received a number of e-mails regarding Fair Fuel UK’s campaign ahead of the Autumn Budget 2017.
The Government remains fully committed to supporting millions of hardworking people across the country. I am especially pleased that the fuel duty rise has been cancelled for the seventh successive year. This represents a tax cut worth towards £1 billion in 2017-18 and is the longest freeze for 40 years.
The fuel market was investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2013 to determine whether those involved had undertaken practices to undermine competition in the fuel market. The investigation found no evidence of collusion by retailers to fix pump prices.
In order to tackle air pollution, Ministers have stated that by 2040 they do not expect diesel and petrol cars to be available for sale. As far as I am aware, scrappage schemes are now being offered for diesel cars by several major car manufacturers.
The Department for Transport is working hard to improve the UK’s road network. The Government is mid-way through the first five-year £15 billion Road Investment Strategy for the ‘strategic road network’ (SRN). This vital strategy includes a long-term programme for our national motorways and major roads with the stable funding needed to plan ahead. The planning for the period beyond 2020 is currently underway.
I also welcome the Government’s new ‘Major Road Network’ which will see main local roads, currently overseen by local authorities, share the new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)-funded National Roads Fund, which was previously envisaged to be ring fenced for national routes.
Thank you for contacting me on this important issue.