Lib Dems call for rural fuel duty relief expansion

The Liberal Democrats say fuel duty relief should be expanded to 20 new areas to support motorists in rural communities.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said "a real rescue plan" is needed to support rural communities struggling with "outrageous pump prices".

The party suggested Cornwall, Cumbria, Shropshire, Yorkshire in England, and rural parts of Scotland and Wales should be included in the scheme.

The scheme currently applies to 21 areas across the country including the Isles of Scilly, three postcode districts in England, and the Highlands and Orkney and Shetland in Scotland.

The Liberal Democrats earlier pledged in its manifesto to help motorists in rural areas who face higher fuel costs by expanding rural fuel duty relief - but have now expanded on their plans.

Fuel retailers can apply for relief of 5p per litre of petrol or diesel, which is then passed on to motorists through reductions in price at the pump.

Mr Davey said: "People in rural areas have been clobbered by the cost-of-living crisis and the Conservatives have just not done enough to support them.

"The Conservatives have let the cost-of-living crisis hit rural communities hard.

"They have ignored Liberal Democrat calls to expand rural fuel duty relief, left roads to crumble and cut public transport options, including rural bus routes."

The Conservative government brought in a temporary cut to the overall rate of fuel duty in 2022, and it has remained in place since then, with the party's manifesto mentioning that it is something which has been "prioritised".

The Liberal Democrats said that their plans would cost an additional £7m per year by the end of the next Parliament.

It has also backed calls for a Pumpwatch scheme so drivers can compare fuel prices in different areas.