Ulster MP Seeks Re-think On Fuel Duty

An NI Executive Minister is calling on the Westminster Government to give NI a break on rising fuel costs.

The DUP's Sammy Wilson - who is both Stormont Finance Minister and an East Antrim MP has called on David Cameron's coalition government to scrap the proposed 1p rise in fuel duty that is due to come into force in April.

"One of the issues that people in East Antrim raise with me on a regular basis is the increasing cost of fuel and the problems which that brings. Rises in fuel duty do not affect only one group or section of society.

"Families, individuals, large companies and small businesses all take a hit with every 1p that is added to the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel," he said, today.

"I am calling on the Government and the Chancellor to scrap the proposed 1p rise in fuel duty planned for April 1st.

"The motorist is already overtaxed and further increases will not only make life more difficult to those who depend upon their own car and have no or limited access to a public transport alternative, but it will also further threaten jobs in Northern Ireland.

"Increased fuel duty adds to the cost of doing business and we all know that businesses are already finding the current climate tough.

"During this period we should be seeking to help business grow and thrive, not adding another burden to an already difficult working environment," he continued.

"The case against increasing fuel duty is strong, and I look forward to the Chancellor reconsidering his position, looking at the issue again and coming to the same conclusion as the rest of us which is that any increase will only be damaging for the motorist and the economy."

Last week, the Finance Minister responded to criticism that he did not 'exhaust all possible sources of additional revenue' in the Executive's Draft Budget

A report - for the charity umbrella group, NICVA contained criticism that said he 'did not exhaust all possible sources of additional revenue' in the Executive's budget - with taking possible extra taxation overlooked.

"We are currently in the middle of recession," Mr Wilson said at the time and underlined that tax rises would have to be looked at "in the right context".

"Some of the revenue schemes would mean dipping further into people's pockets," he added.

"I don't believe this is the appropriate time to do it.

"As we come out of the recession and as things improve economically, there may be new opportunities for revenue streams there for local taxes or whatever and we've got to look at those."

The draft budget is aimed at saving £4bn over the next four years, with cuts planned across all departments.

See: Wilson Supported Over NICVA Budget Report

(BMcC/GK)