Watchdog's duty is to put bite on tax hike
Published Date:
28 April 2008
A business watchdog is calling on the government to scrap the 2p fuel duty hike planned for October, to ease the squeeze on local companies.
Greater Manchester Chamber fears the extra duty per litre on already rapidly rising fuel prices will cause serious problems for haulage companies and fuel-dependent businesses.
The cost of crude oil is hitting all-time highs, due to world supply problems and weak money markets and there are fears UK motorists may have to pay £1.50 per litre by the summer.
Richard Critchley, the Chamber's policy manager for transport and the environment, said: "The government needs to act now to protect businesses.
"Our members are already under pressure from steep rises in the cost of water, gas and electricity and this will only add to their problems.
"The Chamber is working with colleagues across the chamber network and
will be launching a new campaign in the coming months in order to push for a government rethink on this issue.
"Scrapping the 2p hike in fuel duty would send a positive message from Government to hard-up businesses."
The full article contains 192 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
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Last Updated:
28 April 2008 9:12 AM
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Source:
Wigan Evening Post
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Location:
Wigan
