Countryside duty
Yet, while the Government has worked hard to persuade the EU to agree to the 5p a litre discount, it can be argued that the hardship caused by rising fuel prices is just as serious in North Yorkshire’s outposts.
And while Chancellor George Osborne’s decision to scrap next month’s planned increase in fuel duty is welcome, concerns still persist about future increases – and how these undermine those rural businesses that encounter higher costs than their urban rivals.
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Hide AdAs well as remembering to honour his pre-election promise to make fuel prices more transparent, the Chancellor should take bold decisions to stimulate Yorkshire’s countryside.
Take the money accrued by the rural economy out of the Exchequer – and Mr Osborne would face an even greater challenge in cutting the dreaded deficit.