Fuel tax threatens rural economy
1 August 2000
Fuel tax threatens rural economy
by FWi staff
HIGH fuel prices allegedly aimed at curbing pollution in urban areas are threatening to cripple the rural economy, Scottish farmers have warned.
The National Farmers Union of Scotland has called for the Government to
urgently review the impact of high fuel prices on the rural economy.
John Kinnaird, the unions vice-president, said: “Let there be no doubt that the continuing rise in the price of fuel is crippling Scotlands farmers.
The whole rural economy is being adversely affected by taxation measures aimed, it is alleged, at dealing with traffic congestion and environmental problems that are more prevalent in urban areas.
Mr Kinnaird said road haulage costs impacted directly on agriculture and purchases by farm businesses usually include carriage and freight.
At a time of prolonged crisis within Scottish farming, businesses cannot afford diesel fuel prices 61% higher than the European average.
He added: In the remotest areas of Scotland there are no alternatives to travel by car which is a necessity and not a luxury.
Mr Kinnaird said fuel tax must be cut immediately in rural areas if Scotlands
farmers are to compete fairly with their European and global counterparts.
He said: Scotlands rural community should not and cannot afford to
pay for essentially urban problems.