Forwarders give a cautious welcome to the UK Budget
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has given a cautious welcome to the UK government’s decision to abandon the next increase in fuel duty, which was planned for April 1st, and replace it with a ‘fair fuel stabiliser‘, which will remove some of the uncertainty over fuel prices. BIFA director general Peter Quantrill pointed out that the one pence per litre cut in fuel duty on petrol and diesel has not been cancelled, just postponed until 2012. "There is still work to be done," said Quantrill. "Our members are still paying almost double the duty that their European competitors face." He added that BIFA members are at the heart of Britain’s international trade, exporting goods from the UK and bringing foreign goods into the UK, often by road services, as well as positioning freight to air and seaports. The fair fuel stabiliser will at least deliver some stability over fuel prices. "Our members have been suffering because of ever-rising fuel costs, and duty increases, and I’m still not sure that yesterday’s budget showed that those in government fully appreciate and value the essential role of the freight forwarding industry," he remarked. However, the fact that the government has emphasised the need for stability and clearly intends to consult before making any major taxation changes, is very welcome during these difficult times for the British economy, and BIFA members. Quelle: eyefortransport |
