Matthew has welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammond’s decision to freeze fuel duty in today’s Autumn Statement.

The Chancellor announced that fuel duty will remain frozen for a seventh year. In total this saves the average car driver £130 a year and the average van driver £350. This is a tax cut worth £850 million next year, and means the current fuel duty freeze is the longest for 40 years.

It comes after more than 50 MPs, including Matthew, signed a letter to Mr Hammond urging him to help hard-pressed families and small businesses in constituencies like Hendon.

Reports in national newspapers suggest the campaign stopped a planned 2p rise in fuel duty.

Matthew said: “Freezing fuel duty is a huge boost to drivers and of massive benefit to local businesses in our community.

“I’m delighted the Chancellor has listened to our concerns. He is absolutely right to put more money in the pockets of local people to help them make ends meet.”