Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood, is calling on Chancellor Philip Hammond to cut fuel duty in the Autumn Statement – and put more money in the pockets of people in the community.
Kelly is also urging the Chancellor to set up a powerful PumpWatch watchdog to stop motorists in Rochester and Strood getting ripped off at the forecourt by big oil companies.
Kelly stands among more than 50 MPs who have signed a letter to Mr Hammond, urging him to help hard-pressed families and small businesses in. The letter was sent by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, chair of the FairFuel APPG, this week.
On the issue Kelly said: “I’m backing this letter as cutting fuel duty would be a huge boost to drivers in Rochester and Strood – and of massive benefit to local businesses.
“When prices rise at the pump, it’s hard-working families and businesses that are hit hardest.
“Too often drivers are taken for a ride by big oil companies. They feel fuel prices fall like a feather but rise like a rocket.
“That’s why I’m also urging the Chancellor to set up a new PumpWatch body to police predatory pricing at the pump. This would stop motorists in across the area getting ripped off.”
Kelly is also urging local drivers to sign a Government ePetition to get a Government debate in the House of Commons on PumpWatch. The new watchdog would ensure motorists could see who their money is going to when they fill up.
The below graph of fuel price indicators for October clearly shows how falling oil and published wholesale prices are not being passed onto to consumers quickly enough.
To sign the ePetition visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/170006