Scott Bros

Bob Borthwick, a director at Stockton-based Scott Bros, which is involved in recycling, haulage, and plant hire, said: “Small firms are facing widescale cost pressures, from rising business rates to spiralling energy costs, but those operating vehicles, from vans up to HGVs, are having a particularly tough time.

“I urge the Chancellor to cut fuel duty by a meaningful amount to ease the burden on transport-based businesses, not to mention the millions who rely on their cars and who are struggling to afford to fill up.

“This is a perfect storm in terms of causes, from the effects of the pandemic to the war in Ukraine, but high fuel prices impact on the cost of goods and services used by everyone and will lead to further inflationary pressure.

“The UK already has one of the world’s highest tax rates for fuel, so the government has an opportunity to considerably reduce this, but I fear any reduction, while welcome, may be too modest to have any significant effect.”