Fuel bucks fizz
IT IS a damning indictment of our tax system when the levy imposed by the state on petrol is greater than that imposed on champagne.
An essential commodity that we cannot currently do without, and which fuels the economy, is more harshly taxed than a drink which most consider a luxury.
The levy imposed by the state on petrol is greater than that imposed on champagne[/caption]
While it’s doubtless too much to expect Rachel Reeves will reduce the petrol tax burden, the Chancellor must resist any urge to unfreeze fuel duty in her budget and push pump prices up even further.
To do so would risk the country’s finances going flatter than a three-day-old glass of champers.
There are already signs that relentless doom-mongering by the Chancellor and Prime Minister has left economic confidence low and businesses and consumers paralysed with fear about the Budget.
A hike in fuel duty would stall the growth engine completely.
What is needed instead is an injection of fizz into the economy.
Now that would be worth a toast.
Heat’s on, Ed
THE cost of living is nearly four times as important to Brits as climate change concerns, according to a new survey.
Worries about the NHS, the state of the economy and levels of immigration also trump the desire to reach Net Zero.
There is no lack of appreciation of climate issues or desire to tackle them, the research for British Gas shows.
But, surprise, surprise, nearly half the public believe the priority should be to keep heating costs low, even if it means contributing to climate change.
People are simply not convinced of the cost benefits or comfort offered by upgraded insulation or, particularly, by heat pumps.
The report’s authors conclude: “This is an important reminder to Government and industry who are trying to sell these green upgrades to homeowners that they are in competition with holidays and kitchen renovations, and losing.”
We doubt eco-zealot Ed Miliband is listening — but his Government colleagues should be.
Fab Fergie
TWO cancer diagnoses in quick succession have made the past two years a dark time for the Duchess of York.
Thankfully, after a mastectomy and removal of a malignant melanoma, her treatments appear to have succeeded.
Fergie deserves praise for using her experience to raise awareness and support the Prevent Breast Cancer charity.
As she writes in today’s Sun, UK rates of breast cancer are increasing and affect almost 57,000 women a year. Taking steps to prevent it is a matter of urgency.
