The Welsh Conservatives are today calling on the Chancellor to cut fuel duty in this week’s Spring Statement to help families with the cost of living amid increasing diesel and petrol prices. Wales’ Shadow Finance Minister has said cutting prices at the pump will help people keep more of their money, allowing them to save more for other essential expenditure. It will also help boost the economy … [Read more...]
EVs get Budget boost
Electric vehicles have been given a boost in the Budget. Sean Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “We are finally starting to see the government put its money where its mouth is when it comes to investing in greener roads. "An additional £620 million into public charging in residential areas and targeted plug-in vehicle grants will be a critical acceleration in … [Read more...]
Budget fails Wales, claims Welsh Government
Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has said the UK Government’s Spending Review and autumn Budget contains “clear gaps in funding” where Westminster has failed to invest in Wales. The Spending Review announced by the Chancellor on Wednesday contained no new investment for Coal Tip remediation or significant additional funding to support rail infrastructure in Wales – priorities highlighted by the … [Read more...]
Budget needs to tackle help for car sector and buyers
Changes to VAT around compensation payments, strategic support for the UK motor industry, and the future of road charging are key subjects that should be tackled by the Chancellor in March’s Budget, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. All three issues are likely to impact on the remarketing sector either in the short, medium or longer-term, believes the industry organisation, and its … [Read more...]
Kerbside charging essential to power up green drive
The Government has just announced a £20M boost for more EV charging, but incentives and technology to create kerbside charging should be laid out in next month's Budget, said the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that around 40% of potential electric vehicle users lived in properties without drives and providing them with some form of domestic charging was essential if the … [Read more...]
Motor industry disappointed with summer statement
Announcements to safeguard jobs and encourage consumer spending in some parts of the economy are welcome but it’s bitterly disappointing the Chancellor has stopped short of supporting the restart of one of the UK’s most important employers and a driver of growth, said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "The automotive sector has been particularly hard hit, with thousands of job losses already … [Read more...]
Virtual business as usual for Mitsubishi
Physical showrooms may be closed but it’s virtual business as usual at Mitsubishi Motors where customers are still able to purchase a new vehicle using the Mitsubishi Buy Online facility. Not only can customers browse the model range and specify the exact Mitsubishi vehicle they would like, they can also trade their current vehicle in and arrange finance all from the comfort and safety of their … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Call for Budget rethink on VED rebates
Today's Budget should be used as an opportunity to re-examine the impact of Vehicle Excise Duty on rental companies and other businesses that keep new vehicles for less than a year, says Meridian Vehicle Solutions. Phil Jerome, managing director at the medium-term rental specialist, said that the current inability to obtain a full refund on any outstanding balance from the first VED payment at … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 March
Six-in-10 UK drivers (59%) want the new Chancellor to bolster spending on the country’s crumbling local road infrastructure in the Budget by ringfencing 2p from every litre of petrol and diesel sold without increasing duty rates, according to an RAC survey of 3,200 drivers. In fact drivers feel so strongly about the need to increase spending on maintaining local roads that they would much prefer … [Read more...]