The Spring Statement this week was a missed opportunity to get Britain moving, claims one businessman.
Paul Holland, Managing Director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, including UK brands, Allstar and Keyfuels said, “Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement and at the time of writing our concerns that there would be little in the way of meaningful relief has now come true.
“From navigating rising fuel prices, energy market volatility and changes in international trade policies, there is a lot for businesses to contend with when it comes to operational matters. While we called for action in recognising these material pressures, our focus must revert to imminent updates set to come into force and where businesses must be prepared.”
“From April, zero emission cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 will be liable to pay the lowest first year rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The Expensive Car Supplement exemption for EVs is also ending this year, meaning an additional VED charge on vehicles with a list price exceeding £40,000.
“On the face of it, this does bring a sense of fairness to mobility. However, this is one example of how policy is giving the wrong message at a time where encouragement is critical to first, get organisations to invest in the transition to greener mobility and second, to drive and maintain these vehicles in the long term.”
He added, “We need clear direction and an update in the government’s sustainability strategy, principally for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) – particularly as the government is unmoved on its commitment to ending the sale of combustion engine cars by 2030 and ensuring all new cars and vans are 100% zero-emission by 2035. Without clarity, we as an industry, must continue to provide solutions that drive cost and time savings for businesses that are navigating a shifting world.”
