Bringing down costs and backing Highland households
If there’s one issue that cuts across everything right now—families, businesses, communities—it’s this:
The cost of energy and fuel is simply too high.
And in the Highlands, we feel that more than most.
Longer journeys. Colder homes. Greater reliance on heating oil. Fewer alternatives.
So when prices spike, it doesn’t just hurt—it hits hard.
Why Costs Are Rising
Let’s be clear about what’s driving this.
The recent surge in fuel prices isn’t because of renewable energy—it’s because of global instability and rising oil and gas prices, made worse by international conflict.
That’s left:
- Families struggling to fill the tank
- Businesses facing rising transport costs
- Rural communities exposed to price shocks
And too often, governments have been far too slow to act.
Immediate Action: Cutting Fuel Prices Now
This is where action is needed—not warm words.
The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, have called for an emergency package to bring costs down immediately.
⛽ A 10p Cut in Fuel Duty
We are calling on the UK Government to:
- Cut fuel duty by 10p per litre
- Reduce prices at the pump by around 12p per litre
That’s real, immediate help—for:
- Commuters
- Families
- Small businesses
- Rural communities like ours
And crucially, this would be introduced straight away for three months, with the option to extend if prices remain high.
Because when fuel costs rise this quickly, government needs to respond just as quickly.
A Fair Deal for Rural Communities
The Highlands are uniquely exposed to fuel price rises.
We:
- Travel further for work, healthcare and education
- Rely heavily on cars
- Have limited public transport alternatives
That’s why I support:
- Expanding rural fuel duty relief
- Targeted support for rural households
- Measures that recognise the reality of Highland life
Because a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work here.
Tackling Heating Costs
It’s not just petrol and diesel—it’s the cost of heating our homes too.
Many Highland households rely on:
- Heating oil
- LPG systems
And unlike mains gas, these aren’t protected by price caps—meaning costs can spike overnight.
👉 That’s why Liberal Democrats are pushing for:
- Protection against sudden price spikes
- Action on VAT for heating oil
- Support for households most exposed to rising costs
Alongside longer-term solutions to reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuels.
Cutting Bills for Good
Short-term help is essential—but we also need long-term solutions.
That means breaking the link between electricity prices and the cost of gas—and investing in cheaper, cleaner energy.
🔋 Lower Energy Bills Over Time
We will:
- Roll out a major home insulation programme
- Support rooftop solar to cut bills
- Deliver a Fairer Heating Bill
Because the cheapest energy is the energy you don’t have to use.
Supporting Electric Vehicles (Properly)
Electric vehicles should be part of the solution—but right now, the system isn’t working properly.
Charging can often be:
- Expensive
- Complicated
- More costly than expected
👉 That’s why we are calling for:
- Cutting VAT on public EV charging
- Reviewing unfair network costs that push prices up
- Making EVs a realistic option for rural communities
Because switching to cleaner transport should save people money—not cost more.
Standing Up for Highland Households
This is where I think experience matters.
I’ve run a small business. I’ve managed household budgets. I know what it’s like when costs go up—and there’s nowhere else to cut.
And I know how much harder that is in rural areas like ours.
That’s why I’ll always push for:
- Practical solutions
- Immediate support where it’s needed
- And long-term change that actually lowers costs
The Bigger Picture
Energy policy isn’t just about bills—it’s about fairness.
The Highlands produce huge amounts of renewable energy.
But too often, we don’t see the benefit.
That has to change.
Communities here should:
- Benefit from local energy generation
- See lower costs—not higher ones
- Share in the economic opportunities
Getting Scotland Moving Again
At its heart, this is simple.
People need:
- Affordable fuel
- Affordable energy
- And a government that understands the pressure they’re under
The Liberal Democrat plan—starting with that 10p fuel duty cut—is about doing exactly that.
Want to Explore More?
👉 You can also read more about:
- Economy & Business
- [Transport & Infrastructure →] (coming soon)
- [Housing & Communities →] (coming soon)
If rising fuel or energy costs are affecting you or your business, I’d really like to hear your experience.