FUW members lobby Mark Williams, Ceredigion MP

Next year's planned fuel duty rises could have a devastating effect on the Welsh farming industry, Ceredigion MP Mark Williams has been told.
Farmers’ Union of Wales members in Ceredigion have met Mr Williams to express their concerns about the Westminster Government plans to put up fuel duty in January and August next year.

"These rises will add 7.3p per litre or 33p per gallon to the already massive cost of petrol and diesel," said FUW Ceredigion county executive officer Adrian Evans today, just before the Commons debate on lower fuel prices. "Fuel price rises of this nature could have a devastating result for farmers and all the rural communities in general as a car is essential in the countryside with public transport being so poor.

"Whilst Mr Williams supported the Government in suspending the proposed rise in duty during this year, the proposal made initially by the previous Government is still on the table for increases in 2012.

"Mr Williams was left in no doubt by FUW Ceredigion members how he should vote. There has to be important gestures by Westminster to the farming and rural community." FUW president Emyr Jones said: "We have regularly highlighted the need for an equitable system that reflects the unique needs of rural Wales yet in recent years we have seen the most significant rises in fuel prices in history.

"Nowhere have these rises impacted more than in rural Wales where the majority of domestic journeys must be made by car and businesses, particularly farm businesses, rely significantly upon diesel vehicles.

"In view of the acute and growing pressure that rises in fuel prices represent for rural Welsh businesses, I believe that we have reached a critical point at which action must be taken by the present Chancellor to significantly reduce fuel tax in order to aid the economy.
"I also believe that an equitable vehicle taxation system must be sought that recognises the stark differences between those who choose to drive 4x4 vehicles and those who do so out of necessity.

"The impact of having to pay higher rates of fuel taxes in rural areas is also exacerbated by the fact that fuel prices are usually higher in such areas. Our members believe that a system which recognises the disproportionate level of fuel tax paid in rural areas should be introduced, possibly in the form of a tax rebate for rural dwellers."