On Monday George Osborne gave a powerful hint that the Government could defer a planned 3p increase in fuel duty.
Sajid Javid, the economic secretary to the Treasury, said “The government is doing all it can to help hard-working families with the cost of living and putting money back into their pockets. Action on fuel duty is part of this.
“Fuel duty is currently 20% lower in real terms compared to its peak in March 2000 and 7% lower compared to May 2010.
“If we had continued with the policies of the previous government, quite simply prices would be higher, fuel would be 10p more expensive per litre. I know some will call for a further freeze in fuel duty today. I can assure them this government understands the financial pressures hard-working families are facing. Subject to the constraints of the public finances, this government is determined to help families with the cost of living.”
A Labour bid to delay the increase until at least April was defeated by 282 votes to 234, a government majority of 48.
Robert Halfon, a backbench Tory campaigner against rising fuel prices, said “I believe it is perfectly sensible and right to wait for the autumn statement, given the government’s record, given that they cut fuel duty last year and given that they have stopped two fuel duty rises,”
Nov, 13, 2012