Stealth tax on motor fuel needs removing! Posted: 4.2.10 New petition seeking the removal of the stealth fuel duty increase When VAT was temporarily reduced to 15% in the Pre Budget Review in November 2008, the Chancellor added 2% duty to fuel to offset the reduction in tax collected from motorists. Now that VAT has been increased to 17.5% again this hidden tax has not been removed - hence recent rises in your fuel costs. In our report on the PBR 2008 we highlighted the weazel words over motor fuel duty increases which was also picked up by the cartoonist Peter Brookes in his memorable cartoon - a copy of our report is reproduced below. Why not sign the petition to have this stealth tax removed! http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/DutyReduction/ Look back at our PBR 2008 report. More Weazel words over motor fuel duty increases In an opportunistic move, the Chancellor said "the reduction in VAT lowers the amount of tax paid on motor fuel. In addition, petrol prices have come down by 7 pence a litre last month alone. So I will offset the VAT reduction by increasing the duty by an amount which should keep the overall cost to consumers the same this year. Of course, if we see a stronger economy and increased tax revenues, we will review whether we need to take these tax raising measures." Well if you believe he would reduce them you must believe in fairies! (Cartoon: Peter Brookes The Times 29.5.08) Look back on earlier NEWS items. More V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net