SNP MP for Moray, Angus Robertson and SNP MSP Richard Lochhead have called on the UK Government to reconsider its fuel duty escalator planned for April 2010 as the petrol prices soar across Scotland. They also highlighted the higher petrol prices which motorists are subjected to in rural Moray.

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), average petrol prices across the UK rose by 2.9p to 108.3p a litre in November – but in parts of rural Scotland, the price has risen to as much as 115p per litre. In many areas of Moray prices are again nudging 110p per litre and above for petrol and diesel. 

Mr Robertson and Mr Lochhead, along with SNP colleagues, have long campaigned for an overhaul of the current fuel taxation system, which discriminates against rural Scotland in particular with fuel being a necessity and not a luxury.

The SNP's Westminster Group of MPs, led by Mr Robertson, have put forward solid alternative fuel taxation proposals. Their proposals for a Fuel Duty Regulator would offset increased VAT paid on fuel as oil prices rise by reducing fuel tax. The overall result being the same amount of taxation income for the Treasury but cheaper pump prices.

Commenting, the SNP's Mr Robertson said:

“ At present, taxes account for just over 70% of every pound spent at the pumps. The price of fuel influences the cost of every commodity and service brought to the area.

“ Instead of pushing prices up with further tax hikes, the UK Government should be cancelling their fuel duty escalator and looking at measures which will stabilise fuel prices such as the SNP’s fuel duty regulator.

" Just now the UK Labour Government are happy to syphon off extra taxation as oil prices rise, ignoring the pressure that current pump prices put on economies such as Moray's. 

“An oil rich nation such as Scotland should be reaping the benefits from our natural resources – not watching as North Sea revenues flow into a black hole in Treasury coffers while the Scottish budget is slashed.

“ Westminster is holding Scotland back. We need the full fiscal powers of a normal, independent nation so we can set fair taxes that do not penalise rural motorists.”

Local MSP Richard Lochhead said:

The SNP's Westminster Leader, Defence Spokesperson, and MP for Moray Angus Robertson and Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead have responded to the announcement by Labour's Defence Secretary of cuts affecting the local RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss airbases.

SNP MP for Moray Angus Robertson said:

" What we have had is a statement from Labour that there will be nine hundred million pounds of cuts in service affecting RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss with practically no detail of how that will be achieved and how many jobs will pay for it.

" The Labour Government has said that staff may be re-deployed, which essentially means cutting recruitment and taking vital jobs out of the Moray economy at a time when the bases deserve more support due to their ongoing operational commitments and the local economy needs respite from the ongoing recession.

" It is now extremely likely that there will be service and civilian job losses in Moray, which will have a negative impact on both service and local families as well as the many businesses that provide services to the defence community."

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said:

" Ministry of Defence officials in London have to understand the devastating impact of proposals hundreds of miles away in Moray's defence communities.

" It is abundantly clear that Moray is paying the price for the UK's financial incompetence which is leaving the MoD underfunded and is now resulting cuts in aircraft numbers and personnel.

" These proposed changes to Kinloss and Lossiemouth will send shockwaves through the local community and cause huge anxiety for local service families many of whom have loved ones serving overseas. Coming, as it does, just two weeks before Christmas makes it a particularly bitter pill for Moray's communities, who will now have to consider the serious ramifications of Labour's decision."

"MODEL MUST FOCUS ON NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES"

Moray's MP Angus Robertson has welcomed the UK Government’s consultation on developing Post Bank services and is urging people from across Moray to make their views known.

The local MP has been a long-time supporter of the Post Office and has opposed closures and the loss of services such as TV Licensing from the network. The SNP MP also organised a series of public meetings in protest against Post Office closures instigated by the UK Government last year.

Mr Robertson believes the creation of a ‘Post Bank’ will allow many more people on lower incomes to open a bank account and get a mortgage or loan, making it easier for first-time buyers to qualify for its mortgages. It could also see the Post Office offering more financial services to small businesses

It also holds out the prospect of allowing those on state benefits to set up direct debits – something which will allow them to take advantage of cheaper energy deals instead of relying on expensive pre-pay meters.

However, the MP has warned that the focus of the consultation must be on the needs of communities – not the needs of banks.

Local MP Angus Robertson said:

" I think this could be a very valuable initiative. Sadly, the Post Office closure programme has decimated the number of Post Offices across the country. In many of these communities the "traditional" banks have also long since gone.

" Here in Moray there is huge support for our Post Offices which has been demonstrated by large attendances at public meetings and strong responses to previous consultations and campaigns to protect services.

" We now need to look to the future and see how new services can be introduced at the remaining post offices to build on the network for the future and also to provide much needed financial services.

" Post Offices are not just a business but also provide an invaluable social role, especially in rural communities. They are a focal point for people with information on local events and services, as well as being a meeting point. All of this is additional to the core over-the-counter services but the combination of these things is what makes our Post Office network so critcial.  

" In many communities, small businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to get finance from the large banks, despite the fact that they are now largely owned by the taxpayer. It is also clear that the large banks really do not always wish to engage with small savers and borrowers - their deals are all targeted at those who can deposit large sums every month.

" The Post Bank concept gives the opportunity to create a bank that will concentrate on small savers and small businesses, providing essential services in our communities."

The consultation can be found at: www.bis.gov.uk/postofficebanking