Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement, Karen Dee, FTA’s Director of Policy said: ‘Falling global oil prices have delivered significant reductions in fuel prices recently. While this has provided some welcome relief to operators struggling to keep goods moving in the busy Christmas period, it has also put prices close to the point at which fuel duty increases would be triggered. The Chancellor should be congratulated for resisting the temptation to raise some additional revenue at the expense of the freight industry and other road users.’
FTA is a key funder and supporter of FairFuelUK, which campaigns for fuel duties to be reduced. As a result of the campaign, fuel duty is now at a far lower rate than it would have been, saving the logistics sector £4.44 billion in extra duty had increases been introduced. The Chancellor today announced that fuel duty would remain frozen at current levels and that the price-based trigger point for changes to both the supplementary charge and fuel duty, set by the Fair Fuel Stabiliser in 2011, would be abolished.
Dee continued: ‘We are, however, disappointed that the Chancellor did not go further and cut fuel duties. Independent research has demonstrated that this could deliver a further boost to the UK economy and we will continue our efforts to persuade Government to take action.’
FTA’s Autumn Statement 2014 submission had also highlighted the skills shortage in the logistics sector, and in particular the lack of funding to support vocational training to improve recruitment and skill levels in the industry.
‘The logistics industry is suffering a chronic shortage of drivers, which is adding further pressure at the busiest time of year. But this problem will extend beyond Christmas and it is essential that Government works with the industry to encourage skills development within the sector and to identify innovative ways to incentivise the uptake of vocational training,’ Dee added.