Blog 2 - Osborne faces backbench rebellion over fuel duty
 

Source

 

Morris, N. (2011, Nov. 12). Osborne faces backbench rebellion over fuel duty. The Independent. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-faces-backbench-rebellion-ver-fuel-duty-6261014.html.

Filling your car will be more expensive with

George Osborne’s fuel duty plans.

Summary

 

Chancellor George Osborne will face a lot of resistance from the Members of Parliament (MPs) in his plan to rise the fuel duty. Several MPs are convinced that high fuel prices are hindering the recovery of the British economy. Over a hundred MPs already signed a Commons motion against the increase of the fuel prices, which they believe are causing huge difficulties for small and medium-sized businesses. The public also started actions to stop Osborne’s plans by signing an e-petition to drop the issue. British people spent almost 10% of their incomes on fuel. MP Robert Halfon even said that “the increase is creating a poverty trap because people cannot afford to go to work.”

 

Reaction

 

The financial crisis has also hit the economy of the United Kingdom. However, saying that the increase of the fuel prices creates poverty because people cannot afford to go to work, is a too simplistic view on reality. That people got in financial problems, is mostly caused by unemployment, low wages and inadequate benefits. The causes are job related, but there are many other opportunities to go to work. You can take the bus, you can ask you colleagues to carpool together with you, or you can go by bicycle. Of course I also do agree that increasing the prices would make it harder for the people to overcome the crisis. I believe that George Osborne needs to make sure that the savings are spread more equally over both the people and the government. Do not only hit people’s wallet, but also your own.