Angry motorists urge Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to make more cuts to fuel duty in Budget
TENS of thousands of drivers have today told Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “Keep It Down” — and make more cuts to fuel duty.
Campaigners FairFuelUK surveyed more than 81,000 road users ahead of next month’s Budget.
Nearly two thirds want the 52.95p rate cut further.
It was slashed by 5p from 57.95p two years ago, but the temporary measure is due to expire at the end of next month.
Some 31 per cent of those polled say it should be frozen where it is now.
Just four per cent said the tax should be put up.
Most were cyclists or electric vehicle drivers.
FairFuelUK founder and motorists’ champ Howard Cox urged the Chancellor to be remembered as the “drivers’ friend”.
He said last night: “A Budget for motorists will entice wavering voters away from Labour.
“Starting with a big cut in Fuel Duty and ensuring the fuel supply chain is ruthlessly policed with PumpWatch will be hugely helpful to the Tory Party’s election hopes.”
However, Mr Hunt faces an uphill battle as lower than expected inflation means less government income.
That has blown a hole in his plan for pre-election giveaways.
A Treasury source said: “Lower inflation means lower tax receipts due to lessened impact of fiscal drag.
“Good for the public of course, but reduced revenue to the government.”
Labour’s shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones warned: “Britain is stuck in the Tory doom loop of no growth and high taxes.”