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, announced in this week’s budget, to abandon the next increase in fuel duty which was planned for April 1 and put in place a “fair fuel stabilizer” to remove some of the uncertainty over fuel prices.


Peter Quantrill, BIFA Director General said: “Our lobbying appears to have paid off to a certain extent, and we welcome the news that fuel duty on petrol and diesel is to be cut by one pence per litre, but note that the planned increase has not been cancelled, just postponed until 2012.


“So there is still work to be done. Our members are still paying almost double the duty that their European competitors face.”


Quantrill said BIFA members were at the heart of Britain’s international trade, exporting goods from the UK, often by road services, and bringing foreign goods to the UK, again often by road services, as well as positioning freight to air and seaports.
He believes the fair fuel stabiliser will 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,” he said.


“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.”
(Source:http://www.cargonewsasia.com)