Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce urges government to delay January petrol tax rise (From News Shopper)

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce urges government to delay January petrol tax rise

10:39am Wednesday 5th December 2012 in Bexley By Alan Woods

ERITH and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce is calling on the government to delay January’s petrol tax rise until April.

Tax on petrol looks set to increase by 3p from January 1 and Ms Pearce has accused the government of being out of touch with the rising cost of living.

She said: “Delaying the fuel duty rise would provide some much-needed financial relief for my constituents.

“Tory and Lib Dem MPs voted against a delay to the fuel duty rise earlier this month but I hope they will reconsider given the strength of feeling on this issue.”

The price of petrol is now more than £1.36 per litre in many areas, a rise of 15p since the coalition government came to power.

Labour is suggesting the government instead makes a £650 million saving by clamping down on identified tax avoidance loopholes.

It is estimated delaying the fuel tax rise would cost the exchequer around £350 million.