Over recent months, the price of petrol and diesel has been rising and businesses and consumers have been making their concerns clear to government ministers. Next month, the coalition administration is to implement a rise in the tax payable on such provisions, and this has sparked widespread criticism. With inflation climbing and the economy still struggling, many argue that the planned increase must be rethought.
Of course, one of the ways in which businesses can reduce their motoring costs is to make use of fuel cards. However, even with a fuel card system in place, they may still suffer if and when duty hikes kick in.However, individuals and enterprises located on a number of UK islands may welcome news that they might be set to benefit from a drop in the tax. Ministers have been researching the possibility of cutting the level of duty by five pence a litre for those living in the Isles of Scilly, Inner and Outer Hebrides, and the northern isles of Scotland.
Called a “fair fuel stabiliser”, it is intended as a way of limiting such costs in some of the most expensive areas of the country for petrol and diesel.But before the plans can be implemented, the government must satisfy European Union officials that the idea does not breach competition laws. However, according to the Sun, such provisions already exist for the Greek islands and the Azores, meaning the UK has a good case.
Speaking the publication, an insider said: “The precedents are there. For the areas affected by very high prices, it will be a significant cut.”However, even with such help, people living in these remote areas might still need extra assistance and so many may investigate the possibility of making use of fuel cards. In order to find out more about the potential benefits of signing up to a fuel card arrangement, companies can browse the web.