Skipton MP Julian Smith has welcomed a freeze on fuel duty, announced in the Autumn Statement.

Ministers have committed to freezing fuel duty until 2015, meaning the price of a litre will be 20p lower than previously planned.

Mr Smith, who had called on the Chancellor to make the move to support rural communities in particular, said: “The cost of petrol and diesel is a significant expense for people across my constituency so this freezing of fuel duty for the remainder of this Parliament is extremely welcome.

“In rural communities, using vehicles to get around is not a choice but a necessity and I am grateful the Chancellor has recognised the benefits freezing duty will bring to residents and businesses.”