Monday October 12th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
Midlothian Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry has written to the UK Prime Minister calling for urgent action to help families, workers and public services facing rapidly rising petrol and diesel prices.
With diesel prices now approaching £2 a litre, Councillor Parry has asked the UK Government to consider introducing a temporary cap on fuel prices or using the powers available to it to bring costs at the pump down.
The latest rise is creating real pressure for people across Midlothian. For many residents, particularly those living in communities where public transport is not a practical option for every journey, having a car is essential for getting to work, taking children to school, attending appointments and managing everyday family life.
Councillor Parry said:
“Many people in Midlothian rely on their car to get to work, and to access essential services, and rising fuel costs mean less money for food, heating, childcare and other essentials. I am also very conscious of the pressure this puts on our Council staff, many of whom rely on their cars to get to work or travel between locations.
“The Council is feeling the impact too. Fuel and energy costs are an unavoidable cost in delivering services such as waste collection, roads and care, at a time when our budgets are already under significant pressure.
“The UK Government has powers that can make a real difference, including Fuel Duty and VAT. I am asking the Prime Minister to use those powers to bring prices down and give families, workers and public services some much-needed breathing space.”
Councillor Parry’s letter also highlights the longer-term transition towards cleaner vehicles being undertaken by the Council. However, she stressed that this transition takes time and that petrol and diesel vehicles remain essential to the delivery of many frontline services.
The Council Leader has asked the UK Government to set out what action it can take to reduce fuel costs and protect households, workers and essential public services from further increases.
Here is the letter sent to the Prime Minister.
