Your voice, your vote – insert heading here

A Cornish man is calling on the next government to promote greener fuels by abolishing VAT.

Steve Inglis, who lives near Liskeard in the South East Cornwall constituency, said he wanted to upgrade his old oil heating to an environmentally friendly alternative such as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).

He was one of many people who contacted the BBC via Your Voice, Your Vote to raise awareness of the issue of affordable and sustainable fuel ahead of next week’s general election.

Mr Inglis said: “I want the Government, or whoever the new Government is, to remove VAT on HVO so we can make it an affordable alternative.”

The government stated that the use of HVO could save up to 90% of net carbon dioxide (CO2) by significantly reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

Mr Inglis said that due to his home’s rural location, he has no access to the national gas network and relies on solar panels and his oil heater, which he said has reached the end of its life.

He now wants to spend £500 to convert his existing boiler to HVO, which he says is much cheaper than heat pump alternatives.

“It offers a good solution, it does not contribute to global warming and it is a good solution for certain properties,” he said.

Anna Gelderd, Labour candidate for South East Cornwall, said she would meet with Mr Inglis to understand the proposal.

“A Labour government will deliver greater prosperity for people, deliver an energy transition through the creation of GB Energy and put fiscal responsibility at the heart of our plan for the country,” she said.

Conservative candidate for South East Cornwall, Sheryll Murray, said: “I am keen to look at VAT because I have known many families in South East Cornwall who have fallen on hard times and I know how hard it is for people when they don’t have access to gas or an alternative to oil.”

Colin Martin, Liberal Democrat candidate for South East Cornwall, acknowledged that fuel prices had always been a problem for rural households.

He said HVO was not a long-term solution but “could be a good transition fuel” and reducing VAT on biofuels “could be a good way forward”.

The BBC has contacted the other candidates for this seat, including: