MP calls for tax concessions in budget

Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, has called for tax concessions in next month’s budget in a hard hitting speech in the House of Commons.

 

While acknowledging the difficulties facing the Chancellor because of the country’s mounting debts, Mr Davies has proposed options for consideration which he believes are fair for a rural community like Montgomeryshire.

 

After delivering the speech, he said "There can be no doubt that current high fuel prices are hitting rural areas of the UK very hard indeed - acting as a reverse regional policy. I want the Chancellor of the Exchequer to recognise this, and make some tax allowance in his budget in March.

“Unfortunately, the Chancellor is facing a difficult decision on fuel duty because while I and others are calling for concessions, he has such to deal with the massive debts left by the previous Labour government.  But I believe he should do something to help rural areas which are being so badly hit at present.

“There are three options the Chancellor could take.  He could introduce a 'fair fuel stabiliser', he could introduce a remote areas discount, or he could defer a tax increase across the board. I was greatly encouraged by the response of the Treasury Minister to my comments.”

 

Montgomeryshire motorists pay some of the highest prices for fuel in the UK and are dependent on their own transport due to a shortage in public transport.