VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY (No. 2)

That this House notes the new rates of vehicle excise duty announced by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer in his 2008 Budget Statement; recognises that the new rates are designed to reflect the level of carbon dioxide emitted from each vehicle; further notes that the new charges are to be retrospective on vehicles registered since 1st March 2001; recognises that in the current economic downturn many individuals and families are struggling to pay rising energy bills and other household expenses; and calls on Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer to review the retrospective element of vehicle excise duty and only to apply the new system of charging to vehicles purchased since 1st March 2009,therefore providing some relief for hard-working families while allowing people to make an informed choice about the vehicle they purchase in the future.