A proposed three-month reduction in fuel duty in Jersey has been withdrawn following negotiations between policymakers. Deputy Lucy Stephenson had originally put forward the proposition to the States Assembly in June, calling for the tax—which currently sits at approximately 65p per litre—to be lowered by 10p from 1 October until the end of the year.
Stephenson confirmed she is withdrawing the plan after holding “constructive discussions” with Treasury Minister Alan Maclean. She stated that these talks have resulted in a “pragmatic way forward” to assist residents facing financial pressures.
When she first lodged the proposition, the deputy for St Mary, St Ouen, and St Peter highlighted that ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, was driving up costs for islanders. Following her conversations with Maclean and other States colleagues, she expressed confidence that the government was taking the issue seriously.
“I think there were very clear messages at the recent election from voters about the cost of living,” Stephenson said. “It’s obvious people are struggling and we have heard that loud and clear.”
The government is expected to lodge its budget later in September, with debates scheduled for December.
Must be nice to have ministers taking calls. Meanwhile I’m still calculating whether I can afford the drive to work next week.
Sixty-five pence per litre is already painful. Even a small cut would’ve helped families during this crisis.
Wait, they’re withdrawing it? I thought this was going to actually pass. Hope the government has a better plan now.
Good to see them actually talking instead of just making empty promises. Real action would help more though.