UK has highest Air passenger tax in the world...
Discussion
Found out today that we in the UK pay the highest air passenger tax in the world.
As a frequent business flier this grates a little, so someone sent me this link:
http://www.afairtaxonflying.org/
It may not do anything, but then again it might, so I've done it. Thought PH might want to see it too...
As a frequent business flier this grates a little, so someone sent me this link:
http://www.afairtaxonflying.org/
It may not do anything, but then again it might, so I've done it. Thought PH might want to see it too...
Filled it in and got a reply from my MP:
Oliver Heald said:
Thank you for contacting me about Air Passenger Duty.
The Government inherited the highest structural budget deficit of any major economy in the world and the highest deficit in our peacetime history. The UK is paying over £120 million every day on debt interest payments alone. APD makes an important contribution to reducing the nation’s deficit and this must be taken into account.
Last year the Government launched a consultation on APD to improve the fairness and efficiency of the system. Ministers recognise the importance of the aviation industry which is why the Budget in 2011 announced APD would be frozen for 2011-12 and the rise would take place this April instead. I do of course recognise the impact this tax has on the cost of family holidays, especially at a time when household spending is being stretched.
To ensure fairness, Ministers have closed a loophole so that from April 2013, business jet passengers will also have to pay this tax.
I know that the Chancellor is aware of the broader points you make many of which come within the scope of the consultation. The reduction in the deficit, combined with the low interest rates this Government has secured, means that the UK is saving £36 billion in debt interest payments compared to our predecessors.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Best wishes
Oliver Heald
The Government inherited the highest structural budget deficit of any major economy in the world and the highest deficit in our peacetime history. The UK is paying over £120 million every day on debt interest payments alone. APD makes an important contribution to reducing the nation’s deficit and this must be taken into account.
Last year the Government launched a consultation on APD to improve the fairness and efficiency of the system. Ministers recognise the importance of the aviation industry which is why the Budget in 2011 announced APD would be frozen for 2011-12 and the rise would take place this April instead. I do of course recognise the impact this tax has on the cost of family holidays, especially at a time when household spending is being stretched.
To ensure fairness, Ministers have closed a loophole so that from April 2013, business jet passengers will also have to pay this tax.
I know that the Chancellor is aware of the broader points you make many of which come within the scope of the consultation. The reduction in the deficit, combined with the low interest rates this Government has secured, means that the UK is saving £36 billion in debt interest payments compared to our predecessors.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Best wishes
Oliver Heald
Be nice if they accepted there's no need to blame the last scheisters. We all know and accept they were d
heads. It's why they're no longer in power.
Something simple like "we'd love to drop all taxes but unfortunately we have to get our deficit under control first" is all it needs.
Whilst annoying, like any punitive tax, in the overall scheme of things I couldn't care less. The simple way to avoid the tax is to not fly. If you must fly for business you'll be expensing it anyway and avoiding tax as a result. And I don't personally see why the vast majority would *need* to fly for personal reasons. So it's a choice thing.
When we have a net surplus and the National Debt is paid off, drop this to zero. Until then, it's just noise.
heads. It's why they're no longer in power.Something simple like "we'd love to drop all taxes but unfortunately we have to get our deficit under control first" is all it needs.
Whilst annoying, like any punitive tax, in the overall scheme of things I couldn't care less. The simple way to avoid the tax is to not fly. If you must fly for business you'll be expensing it anyway and avoiding tax as a result. And I don't personally see why the vast majority would *need* to fly for personal reasons. So it's a choice thing.
When we have a net surplus and the National Debt is paid off, drop this to zero. Until then, it's just noise.
Got a reply from mine too, which is a bonus. He didn't bother his arse replying to my last e-mail.
Brian Donohoe said:
Thank you for your email.
As Chairman of the All-Party Aviation Group I know only too well the effects the astronomical rates of APD are having on the country and believe that the UKs high rate of APD is effectively pricing people out of flying.
I have fought hard to have this ridiculous Tax removed and made many representations to the Treasury on this matter in the hope of stopping the further increase, unfortunately to no avail.
I am pleased to see a more public campaign now taking place and have of course written again to the Chancellor requesting the Treasury undertakes the research as set out in your correspondence.
When I have a response I will get back in touch.
Kind Regards
BRIAN H. DONOHOE MP
CENTRAL AYRSHIRE
As Chairman of the All-Party Aviation Group I know only too well the effects the astronomical rates of APD are having on the country and believe that the UKs high rate of APD is effectively pricing people out of flying.
I have fought hard to have this ridiculous Tax removed and made many representations to the Treasury on this matter in the hope of stopping the further increase, unfortunately to no avail.
I am pleased to see a more public campaign now taking place and have of course written again to the Chancellor requesting the Treasury undertakes the research as set out in your correspondence.
When I have a response I will get back in touch.
Kind Regards
BRIAN H. DONOHOE MP
CENTRAL AYRSHIRE
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