| Product: |
UK Petrol Prices |
| Date: |
05/11/00 (222 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: More Tax Revenue
Disadvantages: Where are they Spending it ???
I have been away working around Europe for the last two years and i have just returned home to the UK.
I watched and read news stories on the last Fuel Protest, and talked to friends who tried in vain to explain to me what it was like to live through it. It looks like i'm going to be around this time to see the thing at first hand.
My perspective on the whole thing is a little different as i have been working abroad for so long. The continental attitude to this is very much more animated and forceful. They have not and never will allow their governments to raise taxes on fuel to the sort of levels we have here in the UK. They would have reacted far earlier than this.
I've been working in Portugal for the last year, and they currently pay around 50 pence for a litre of unleaded and 35 pence a litre for diesel.
So whats the reason for the difference ??
They pay the same amount for the product but it is the tax levied by the government that is the factor. Their attitude is more to stimulate small businesses by keeping their running costs low, rather than our own governments attitude of maximising the tax revenue. What are they spending it on ?
In this time of companies leaving the UK to relocate in more "Labour Efficient" countries this has to be the perfect time to redress the balance and give a shot in the arm to small businesses throughout the country.
UPDATE
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The government have in some way alleviated the burden on haulage companies with last weeks pre-budget announcement (reduction in road tax payment).
There is no way that they will budge on the direct fuel tax on the pumps. By making such a stand on this issue the fuel protesters have in effect made it impossible for the government to make any reduction in the tax.
The general election cannot be too far away now and they will not want to get egg on their faces over this issue.
If they cl
imb down over this then what next?
No amount of marches or protests will change this now. The only power the average person has is their vote at the next election.
The only problem i have with this is that i do not trust any politicians word. They can promise now to cut fuel duty but we all know when the next government is formed all promises will be forgotten or put through the "parliamentary process" i.e. on the back burner.
Summary:
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