South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has highlighted the need to put pressure on the Chancellor to ensure that there is no increase on fuel duty after the Treasury Minister failed to confirm that there would be a freeze on fuel duty in the forthcoming budget.
Ms Ritchie said:xa0“Today I asked the Treasury Minister to confirm that there will be no increase in fuel duty in the forthcoming budget, which he failed to do.
“Lower fuel prices over the past four years have put £10 billion into consumer spending power and helped to ensure that people keep more of their earnings. CEBR research has indicated that cutting duty increases GDP, generates jobs and lowers inflation.
“It is disappointing that the Minister was unable to confirm that fuel duty will be frozen in the forthcoming budget. It is vital that pressure is maintained on the Chancellor not to increase fuel duty and to ensure people keep more of their earnings so they can contribute to economic growth,” xa0said Ms Ritchie.
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