Foord calls for expanded Fuel Duty Relief to cut rural petrol prices

The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to support motorists in rural areas by doubling the scope of the Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme to include another 21 rural areas. This would also involve expanding the existing discount that exists in small parts of Devon, saving drivers 5p a litre at the pump.

Rural Fuel Duty Relief helps to bring costs down for drivers in rural areas, who previous research has found spend an average of £800 more on fuel costs a year than those in urban ones.

The scheme is currently applied to just 21 areas across the UK – including Lynton in North Devon and the Isles of Scilly. Fuel retailers in these areas can apply for relief of 5p per litre of petrol or diesel, which is passed on to consumers through lower prices at the pump. 

Liberal Democrats are proposing to double the number of areas covered by the scheme, meaning an additional 21 areas across the UK will benefit from the Relief, by doubling the funding to £14 million.

The party has proposed a consultation to determine the areas which could receive the new Relief within England, focusing in on those areas where the number of forecourts is limited and those most rural areas.

The Liberal Democrats have also committed to introducing a Pumpwatch scheme, to allow drivers to directly compare fuel prices and protect them from rip-off prices. The government has previously said it would introduce such a scheme, but never did.

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat candidate for Honiton & Sidmouth, said: 

“People across rural and coastal Devon have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, especially when it comes to fuel prices. The average price in areas like ours is artificially high, despite the fact we are more reliant on our cars than other parts of the country.

“The Conservatives have let the cost-of-living crisis hit communities like Devon the hardest. They have ignored Liberal Democrat calls to expand rural fuel duty relief, left our roads to crumble, and cut funding for public transport - including rural bus routes.

“When I was first elected back in 2022, the first thing I did on day one was table a motion in Parliament demanding the Government take action to cut prices at the pump. Shamefully, they refused to act and we’re now paying the price for their negligence.

“I am determined standing up for rural Devon after years of Conservative chaos and neglect. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats at this election is a vote for a strong local champion who will fight for the fair deal our towns and villages deserve.”