Fuel price increase scheduled for 2013 might not push through

With “threat of rebellion” there are hints George Osborne will offer help to motorists

11:30 13 November 2012

It could be that the government has listened to recent requests from motorists. As rebel Conservative MPs were set to vote with Labour in a Commons debate about the 3p/litre fuel increase in January, 2013, well-placed hints that George Osborne will soon reveal extra help for motorists surfaced.

 

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls originally wanted Tory MPs to support him in delaying the scheduled fuel price increase in January, and to get it to take effect in April. He argued that instead of letting motorists pay more for the fuel, the government can raise more funds by simply closing tax loopholes. 

However, it appears that Tory MPs were privately assured that the increase will not go ahead.

Rob Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow, said: “I believe they are in strong listening mode when it comes to this issue in regards to the Autumn statement in a couple of weeks.”

The organisation's executive director Richard Lloyd said: “The forthcoming Autumn Statement must focus on measures that will help put money back in the pockets of consumers, because the economic recovery is at risk if we don't increase consumer confidence.”