APD campaign gives extra push ahead of Budget
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
A Fair Tax on Flying has submitted evidence on Air Passenger Duty figures ahead of the Budget next month.
The campaign is continuing to push for APD to be scrapped on the ground it makes the UK uncompetitive and the Republic of Ireland’s move to abolish its air taxes in April.
In addition lobbyists have raised the point that should Scotland scrap its tax if it becomes independent, the demand in England would be further compromised.
Dale Keller, CEO or BAR UK said: “A family of four flying to the UK from Australia in economy class from this April will pay £388 in taxes alone. It’s an undoubted disincentive to travel which is putting the UK at a competitive disadvantage. It’s no wonder that people are looking for ways to avoid paying APD by multi-ticketing through European hubs. If we want the UK to remain the hub for passengers vising Britain then we have to take action to reduce APD.”
Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Airports Operators Association added: “With Alex Salmond also promising to reduce APD if the SNP achieves independence, the Chancellor needs to recognise that the UK’s high levels of APD are simply unsustainable and his planned increases will only worsen our competitive position. We respectfully urge the Chancellor to use this Budget to change course.”
In his last budget last year George Osborne made no move to stop APD levels increasing on 1 April 2013.
Budget 2014 will take place on 19 March.
Comments are closed.