Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed the fuel duty freeze announced by the Chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget; the sixth year in a row it has been frozen.
The freeze has saved hundreds of pounds for local motorists on fuel since the Conservatives came to power in 2010.
Commenting David Mundell said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for motorists and businesses across my constituency and ensuring fuel costs are kept frozen has always been a high priority for me.
“In a rural area, fuel costs are always higher so I know that this sixth successive freeze will be welcomed by people and businesses across Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale.
“It is a very welcome boost for their household budgets as well as protecting the rural economy in terms of enabling businesses to fill up their tanks for less.
“I will always work tirelessly to ensure that fuel costs are kept frozen for my constituents and I applaud the Chancellor for taking this decision.”
The Budget also outlined further measures to support Scotland including freezing duty on Scotch Whisky and providing a £1bn package of support for the oil and gas industry in the North East.
Mr Mundell added: “This Budget is very good news for Scotland and it shows the UK Government has listened and delivered.
“The news of a freeze for Scotch Whisky duty coupled with the freeze in fuel duty is very good news for rural Scotland.
“The Chancellor has outlined a £1bn package of support for the oil and gas industry in the North East and this Government are determined to protect jobs and the long-term economy in that region of Scotland.”
Mr Mundell also described the Budget as historic as it was the last one before the Scottish Government will have the power to set income tax rates for Scottish taxpayers from next year.
“This is a historic Budget for Scotland because from next year, the Scottish Government will have full control of income tax for Scottish taxpayers. The Chancellor has given it an excellent platform from which to take up its new responsibilities.
“It is now for the Scottish parties to set out to the people of Scotland what their plans are for the new powers and what that will mean for Scottish taxpayers.”