A number of MPs representing rural regions have called for a fuel rebate ahead of the Chancellor's autumn statement. Figures from studies into the cost of living in the countryside have revealed that items ranging from food to fuel are more expensive in rural areas.  

image expired

The same studies revealed a significant gap in public spending, meaning leisure, education and medical services in the countryside are scarcer and of poorer quality than those in urban areas. This 'rural neglect' has been criticised by MPs and rural groups, who argue the effects of poverty are hitting people in the countryside hardest.

It has been suggested that the higher overall cost of living, lack of public transport, dwindling local facilities and higher youth unemployment risk turning many rural regions into the playgrounds of the wealthy.  

MPs called for the fuel rebate on Wednesday (5th December), highlighting figures from the UK government's Office for National Statistics, which show rural households spend £19 a week more on transport than their urban counterparts. On average, the statistics show, rural living costs £2,714 more per year than living in an urban area.

MP for St Ives and Lib Dem agriculture spokesperson Andrew George commented, "We do not want to get to a situation where the countryside is a place that is the exclusive preserve of the better off." Anne McIntosh, Conservative MP for Thirsk in North Yorkshire, said that the "private motorist [is] disadvantaged" in the county, where fuel costs are reportedly the highest in the UK, and said she would campaign for a rural fuel duty rebate for her region.

Following the successful implementation of the rural fuel rebate pilot scheme for island communities, the Government has said it will consider whether to seek European Union approval to support an extension of the scheme to remote parts of the UK that are likely to display similar cost characteristics to the islands.

However, although MPs from the South West and the rural North of England called on George Osborne on Wednesday to postpone a proposed rise in fuel duty and introduce financial help for rural motorists, some sustainable transport organisations have argued their preferred solutions are wrongheaded, given the overall picture of rural neglect.

Matt Hemsley, from sustainable transport charity Sustrans pointed out that public transport has been subject to deep cuts in rural regions; many rural bus services have been scrapped or subject to drastic reductions and increased fares following the withdrawal of government subsidies under austerity measures. He said sustainable transport, including better public transport links and cycle routes, would help reduce the need for expensive private transport in some rural regions.

On Wednesday, Mr Hemsely told Farming Online "We've lobbied for fuel duty increases to go ahead and the money to be spent on sustainable alternatives – so we would prefer to see the bus cuts reversed and other rural public transport improvements. However, we realise there are some industries that rely on private motor vehicles, and we’d be happy for the government to look at how it could provide some relief in that area."

In his autumn statement, the Chancellor said he will scrap a proposed 3 pence hike in fuel duty, which was due to be introduced in January, and will also postpone a rise planned for April.

Tweet