Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Peter Peacock has accused the LibDems of “selling out” the region over fuel prices following the rise in Vat announced in today’s budget.
The 2.5% rise will force the price of fuel up by over £1.50 for every small tank filled.
”Coalition promise”
Mr Peacock said: “This is a LibDem let down – they promised us petrol price cuts, they give us petrol price increases. People across the Highlands and Islands will feel very let down, and their already high travel costs will rise.
“More generally, taking money out of spending power by increasing VAT will restrict spending, and that will slow down economic recovery. That, together with the huge public sector cuts will force up unemployment and risks forcing us all back into recession.
“It feels just like the bad old days of the Thatcher Tories’ but this time propped up by the Highlands and Islands LibDems, who are guilty of “selling out” their constituents.”
Mr Peacock added that the Coalition promise of a discount fuel scheme in remote areas appeared to have been kicked into the long grass.
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