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Rural Fuel Duty Relief
07 January 2026
Lead MP
Ian Roome
North Devon
LD
Responding Minister
Dan Tomlinson
Tags
TaxationTransport
Word Count: 9188
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Ian Roome raised concerns about rural fuel duty relief in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The scheme should be updated to reflect current economic conditions and extended to regions like Wales that currently do not benefit from it.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The rural fuel duty relief scheme supports around 125,000 local residents and many visitors across the UK. However, since its introduction in 2012, the 5p per litre tax relief has lost more than 30% of its purchasing power due to inflation. The scheme is particularly important for isolated rural areas where public transport alternatives are limited.
St Ives
Campaigns for a review of the rural fuel duty discount scheme, supporting calls for doubling the number of areas covered by it and reinforcing the need for investment in public transport infrastructure. Raised concerns about administrative burdens and rigidity in the system for small businesses. Asked about geographical coverage, urging the Minister to consider extending relief to other needy areas beyond current criteria.
Ben Maguire
LD
North Cornwall
Constituents in North Cornwall spend on average £800 more per year on fuel costs than those in urban centres, with an increased reliance on cars for essential trips. Calls for doubling the number of areas covered by the rural fuel duty relief scheme and introducing a pumpwatch programme. Mentioned the pumpwatch scheme as a means to compare prices more easily.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
The hon. Member supports the extension of the scheme to cover more people in rural areas to stop depopulation and calls for a restoration of the scheme's value since 2012. Asked about mechanisms for ensuring that the rebate reaches consumers and passes on full benefits.
Witney
The rural fuel duty relief scheme has been a huge help to communities but it is becoming less effective due to inflation. The Liberal Democrats call for doubling the number of areas covered by the scheme and expanding it to include more regions across the UK.
Dan Tomlinson
Con
North Dorset
Acknowledged administrative issues but suggested writing to HMRC with more details. Responded with a review of fuel duty benefits and outlined plans for public transport improvements and electric vehicle support.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Asked for the unfair anomaly of excluding parts of Wales from the rural fuel duty relief scheme to be corrected.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Thanked the Minister, appreciated his engagement, and expressed hope for further progress in future fiscal events.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member supports extending the provision of the rural fuel duty relief scheme to some rural parts of Northern Ireland and highlights significant fuel price differences between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Newton Abbot
Suggested complementing the relief scheme with a pumpwatch scheme to further reduce fuel costs, estimating an additional 3p off a litre for motorists. Supported the idea of comparing fuel prices through a scheme similar to pumpwatch.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Noted that there is a significant premium on the cost of living in his constituency due to fuel prices and questioned whether customers were receiving the full 5p per litre relief.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Residents in Honiton and Sidmouth face higher fuel costs due to fewer filling stations and less competition, with rural households spending between £700 and £800 more each year on fuel than their urban counterparts. Proposes extending the scheme to 20 new areas.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The hon. Member acknowledges the success of the 5p a litre discount but notes that it has been forgotten by many, advocating for its continued support and promotion.
Government Response
Dan Tomlinson
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury
Government Response
The Government recognise the importance of rural areas for the UK economy and will consider how they can best support those who live and work rurally. Fuel duty rates have been frozen since 2011, with a further temporary 5p cut introduced in 2022, saving the average car driver £49 compared to previous plans. Confirmed that the scheme covers 16 constituencies with a £5 million annual support. Addressed administrative burdens, inflation indexing, and geographical expansion requests.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.