WITH the Government’s first Budget fast approaching, the whole country is focused on Labour’s plan for the future of our economy.
It feels quite a moment as the new government inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, record low unemployment and inflation around the target two per cent.
It is now for the Labour Chancellor to set the stage for the government’s broader economic strategy and provide a direction of travel based on evidence, not ideology.
Like you, I will be watching to see the impact the Budget will have on our community, and I will continue to campaign on issues that affect us all.
I have written to the Chancellor to ask that she keep fuel duty frozen in the upcoming Budget, this has received a great amount of support, with over 70 conservative MPs signing the letter.
The Conservative government froze fuel duty for 14 years and even cut it when it could, which was essential in keeping fuel costs down and supporting Britain’s 37million motorists.
Fuel duty is currently 6p lower than when Labour were last in charge and analysis from FairFuelUK clearly demonstrates that hiking fuel duty slows economic growth, costs jobs, stokes inflation and reduces consumer spending.
The freeze in fuel duty was accompanied by the Conservative government’s PumpWatch scheme, which helped motorists easily locate the lowest forecourt pump prices and meant collusion between big names was addressed.
The dramatic rise in fuel costs makes it vital that consumers can find the cheapest prices available.
In 2015, the average retail profit from an average family petrol car was £4.40 and diesel £6.
However, today’s average fill-up profit for the unchecked fuel supply chain is staggeringly higher, at £11.16 for petrol and £14.42 for diesel.
Through these schemes, the Conservative government was focused on protecting motorists, families and small businesses across the United Kingdom.
I have called on the Chancellor to enhance and strengthen Pumpwatch.
Finally, I want to place on record my congratulations to Dorridge Station for reaching the final of the World Cup of Stations and my thanks to everyone for mobilising and getting the station into the final.
The competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, celebrates stations with exceptional community activity, and the focus this year is on celebrating local businesses within stations.
The ticket hall in Dorridge station has recently been refurbished with the support of The Friends of Dorridge, with key heritage features being restored.
If you haven’t had the chance yet, make sure to go and visit Dorridge station and show your support.
Saqib Bhatti MBE, MP for Meriden and Solihull East
