UK Freight Forwarders Hope Budget Delivers More Positive News
Over the last six months, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) – has welcomed a number of Government initiatives which brought good news for the trade association’s 1400+ members, most recently welcoming the Government’s decision that backdated business rates bills for port-based companies are to be waived.
London, United Kingdom, March 22, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Commenting on tomorrow’s budget, BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill says: “When the Chancellor, George Osborne, stands up to deliver his Budget to the House tomorrow in the midst of the ongoing eurozone crisis, he will face one of the biggest challenges of his tenure at the Exchequer.
“BIFA members are asking: Will he stick to his guns and continue along the path of austerity? Or will he review the current tax system to make it less onerous for their business? Steps will need to be taken to stimulate growth, but how will the Chancellor pay for these measures? Will taxes need to rise in other areas?”
Quantrill says that ongoing concerns over fuel prices and the problems caused by congestion remain major concerns of BIFA members.
“Our members are still being hit by the high cost of fuel and we would still like to see the introduction of an essential user rebate and a review of the fuel duty increase planned for August 2012.
“The Government’s recent announcements about differing means of investing in road transport infrastructure are welcome news to our members given the importance of the road haulage mode in the collection and delivery of customers’ cargoes. However, we remain concerned that road pricing schemes will add costs to our members’ bottom lines.
“BIFA always urges those in power, not to overlook the important role of freight transport and international trade in a country’s economic success. Our members are the ‘glue’ which holds international trade together, and they deserve recognition of this fact with some positive initiatives in Parliament tomorrow.”
“BIFA members are asking: Will he stick to his guns and continue along the path of austerity? Or will he review the current tax system to make it less onerous for their business? Steps will need to be taken to stimulate growth, but how will the Chancellor pay for these measures? Will taxes need to rise in other areas?”
Quantrill says that ongoing concerns over fuel prices and the problems caused by congestion remain major concerns of BIFA members.
“Our members are still being hit by the high cost of fuel and we would still like to see the introduction of an essential user rebate and a review of the fuel duty increase planned for August 2012.
“The Government’s recent announcements about differing means of investing in road transport infrastructure are welcome news to our members given the importance of the road haulage mode in the collection and delivery of customers’ cargoes. However, we remain concerned that road pricing schemes will add costs to our members’ bottom lines.
“BIFA always urges those in power, not to overlook the important role of freight transport and international trade in a country’s economic success. Our members are the ‘glue’ which holds international trade together, and they deserve recognition of this fact with some positive initiatives in Parliament tomorrow.”
Contact
British International Freight Association
Ian Matheson
+44 (0)1689 860660
www.bifa.org
Ian Matheson
+44 (0)1689 860660
www.bifa.org
Contact
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