Transport business groups have welcomed news in today’s Spring Budget that the 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut originally introduced in March 2022 is to be retained for a further 12 months.
However, there was widespread disappointment over the government’s reluctance to help businesses with soaring energy bills or the switch to zero-carbon fleets.
David Wells, Logistics UK chief executive: “Today’s announcement over fuel duty is very welcome news for logistics businesses, particularly SMEs – who make up 99% of the industry. However, Logistics UK is dismayed by the lack of support to help businesses with energy costs and our sector’s transition to a low carbon economy.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive: “Investment zones which focus on advanced manufacturing, of which automotive is an exemplar, R&D and technology are also positive steps. There is little, however, that enables the UK to compete with the massive packages of support to power a green transition that are available elsewhere.”
