Andrew George celebrates Scillies fuel rebate success

Local MP, Andrew George, has welcomed HM Treasury’s announcement today that the Scillies will be part of a fuel discount pilot scheme aimed at remote island communities.

Mr George has consistently pressed the case for fairer fuel prices and especially for remoter areas where there is no alternative to the private car and where prices are highest. He was delighted at the news that the scheme is due to come into effect from March 2012.

Scillonians will receive a 5p a litre discount on their fuel which will bring some much needed relief to the Islands where pump prices are higher due to transportation costs.

The announcement was made after the Government received final EU clearance to operate its rural fuel rebate pilot scheme in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Northern Isles, islands in the Clyde and the Isles of Scilly.

Mr George said, “I am delighted that this is to be introduced. Scillonians currently pay the highest fuel bills in the country.

“This is crippling for many. This measure will offer a fairer deal for Islanders.

“People in remote areas and Islands don’t have the luxury of regular low cost bus and underground services running from their neighbourhoods every 2 to 3 minutes.

“Of course, I will want the Government to look at extending this measure to other remote rural areas like west Cornwall as soon as possible.”

Fuel retailers on the islands will receive a 5p a litre rebate on the petrol and diesel they purchase and will be expected to pass on the full saving to the customer.