John Baron MP lobbies Chancellor ahead of Spring Statement

MP: Cutting the cost of fuel and resourcing economic crime agencies are included in priorities

Ahead of the Spring Statement, John Baron MP and 52 other Conservative backbench MPs have sent a letter to the Chancellor calling on him to reduce fuel costs, either through reducing duty or cutting VAT. The letter suggests the extra £2 billion received by the Government in recent fuel tax revenue could be used for this purpose. John has also signed a letter organised by Dame Margaret Hodge MP calling on the Government to increase funding to the economic crime-fighting agencies.

John has also written directly to the Chancellor asking him to scrap the planned increase to National Insurance, restore the planned increases to the tax-free Personal Allowance and increase further the National Living Wage. He has also suggested reducing corporation tax, especially for SMEs. He also wants a substantial increase in defence and soft power spending. He has suggested cost savings including scrapping HS2, which could lead to savings of up to £80 billion (and perhaps more if cost estimates continue to rise).

John said,

“Fuel prices across the country are reaching historic highs, and the average family is paying £16 more to fill up their tank than a year ago. For those who rely on driving for their business, or for parents on the school run, higher fuel prices are eating into already stretched budgets. My colleagues and I strongly encourage the Chancellor to do what he can to reduce fuel prices and thereby help our constituents with the costs of living.”

“At the same time, and in line with the amendment I tabled to the Economic Crime Act, the Government needs to ensure the various economic crime enforcement agencies, such as the National Crime Agency, are properly funded. Good laws are meaningless if they can not be enforced, and criminals should not be let off the hook by a lack of resources.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Conservatives have frozen fuel duty for 12 years, which saves motorists about £15 every time they fill their tanks.