We signed a petition to get duty on fuel returned to the same level when the last VAT 'adjustment' wnet through and this is the reply.

I think it reprehensible that these people be allowed to force us to pay so much for the priviledge of working when they are sanctioning the waste the two current wars are causing.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/DutyReduction/
Government response

Your petition relates to the policy of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. In his 2008 Pre-Budget Report the former Chancellor said “I will offset the VAT reduction, by increasing all these duties by an amount which should keep the overall cost to consumers the same this year.â€쳌

The coalition Government’s first changes to taxation were announced in the June Budget. The Budget sets out the action the Government is taking to rebalance the economy and provide the conditions for sustainable growth and deficit reduction. This involves difficult choices.

The existing rates of fuel duty and the rates applicable through to January 2011 were set and legislated for by the previous Government. Under plans the coalition Government has inherited fuel duty is scheduled to rise by one pence per litre above indexation each year thereafter until April 2014.

It is necessary to implement these increases as dealing with the budget deficit is the single greatest economic challenge this Government faces. Unavoidably, tough decisions are required, but underpinning the Government’s approach is a commitment to fairness. The Government has been clear that the burden of deficit reduction will have to be shared, but the most vulnerable in our society will be protected.

Passing the buck seems to be the order of the day. The previous government were just guys with different colour ties. They are all the same. Politicians are licensed thieves.

(I do love a good rant)

GM