South Shropshire’s drivers could save £59 over the next year, thanks to a cost-saving measure secured by Stuart Anderson MP. It follows a campaign that Stuart had launched in August 2024, when he called on the Chancellor to continue a decade-long freeze on fuel duty.
Introduced in 2011/12, the freeze in fuel duty rates has saved drivers an average of £1,900. In October, the Chancellor then agreed to extend the freeze and the temporary 5p cut that the last government introduced for another year from 23rd March 2025.
Stuart welcomed the major concession from the government, which represents a reduction of around 7 pence per litre for main petrol and diesel rates. The tax cut, which is worth £3 billion over 2025-26, represents a £59 saving for the average car driver.
Meanwhile, vans will see an average saving of £126 and heavy goods vehicles will see an average saving of nearly £1,100. Those driving more than average, which includes drivers in rural communities, will generally experience even larger savings.
In Shropshire, over two thirds of residents rely on a car or van to get to work, according to the 2011 Census. At the same time, average weekly household expenditure on transport costs in rural areas is £94, compared with £70 in urban areas.
With fuel duty soaking up a third of the price at the pump, Stuart had argued that keeping the freeze would help commuters in rural areas like South Shropshire. So, he welcomed the commitment made by the Chancellor in October.
This measure also extends the temporary cut in the rates of fuel duty that was first introduced by the last government at the Spring Statement in March 2022. The policy was introduced in recognition of the fact that fuel is a major cost for households.
In its October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), the OBR estimated that a marginal reduction in CPI inflation in 2025 to 2026 would result from the continued freeze on fuel duty. This measure will have a positive overall impact on up to an estimated 36 million individuals by maintaining the reduced amount of fuel duty they pay.
Stuart has also welcomed major funding for Shropshire Council from the Active Travel Fund that was originally set up by the previous government. Announced on 12th February 2025, the investment has equipped the county with an extra £659,352 to increase cycling and walking schemes and enhance rural connections.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"In Shropshire, over two thirds of residents rely on a car or van to get to work. So, I am pleased that drivers across South Shropshire are set to save at least £59 on annual fuel costs from 23rd March 2025, as the government has accepted my request to keep the decade's long freeze on fuel duty. This has helped residents in rural areas like ours to save almost £2,000 since the policy was introduced over ten years ago. I am delighted that Shropshire has also secured more than £659,000 to boost active travel options in the county. This will enhance rural connections by providing more cycling and walking routes for fellow residents in South Shropshire."
