RHA has again called for the introduction of a minimum 15ppl essential user fuel rebate for operators of commercial vehicles including coaches. It wants to see the measure launched in the Budget that will be delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on 15 March.
The trade body has long called for such a rebate. it says that the step would act as “an anti-inflationary measure” and be comparable to support provided by governments in other countries. RHA also wants Mr Hunt to commit to not increasing fuel duty on diesel for a further two years and to continue a freeze on vehicle excise duty.
Calls for a 15ppl essential user fuel rebate have been made repeatedly by RHA. Fears that a 12.18ppl increase in duty could be introduced in March were aired after details of it were contained in an economic and fiscal outlook document published by the Office for Budget Responsibility following Mr Hunt’s fiscal statement on 16 November 2022.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not deny that such a 23% rise was on the table when he was quizzed by the Liaison Committee the following month.
Speaking about the latest policy briefing, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith says: “Lorries, coaches and vans are the lifeblood of our economy, but firms are grappling with huge cost increases that they often have no choice but to pass on.
“This is a great opportunity for the Chancellor to support businesses with a much needed shot in the arm that would help to ease the cost-of-living crisis and boost the economy.”
Other parts of RHA’s policy briefing ahead of the Budget include reform of the Apprenticeship Levy to provide greater flexibility, and an extension of the National Skills Fund.
The Association also hopes to see continued energy bill support for businesses beyond April. One of its coach operator members recently pointed out that those expenses now pose a serious challenge to companies in the transport sector.
Downloaded the briefing document here.
