Local MP Huw Merriman welcomed the 5p Fuel Duty cut in the Chancellor's Spring Statement, but asked him to confirm that this will be a temporary measure so Income Tax can be cut from 2024 while meeting fiscal responsibility tests.

Huw Merriman MP:

I congratulate the Chancellor on the statement and particularly on the 5p reduction in fuel duty, which I note is temporary. Will he remind all Members of this House that temporary does not mean permanent, and that as the reduction costs £5 billion, if it becomes permanent we will not be able to reduce income tax, which also costs £5 billion, if we are to meet our tests of fiscal responsibility?

Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer:

I thank my hon. Friend, as ever, for his support. He is right: the fuel duty cut will benefit all our constituents, particularly those in more rural areas and on lower incomes. He is also right to make the point that we need to remain disciplined on public spending. We have fully accounted for the income tax cut in our plans, but it will require collective discipline to deliver those tax cuts and others that we want to see over the remainder of this Parliament.