Dominic Browne 03 December 2014

Autumn Statement: Osborne announces transport tax boost

Chancellor George Osborne has announced a few transport tax give-aways among major infrastructure plans designed for the next parliament including continuing the freeze in fuel duty.

The freeze has been in place since 2011 and in the Budget of 2013 the policy showed an immediate £480m cost to the Exchequer while sustainable transport charity campaigners have argued the cash is needed for reinvestment in public transport.

However with the Labour’s new shadow transport secretary Mr Dugher suggesting he would end his Party's percieved war on the motorist, stating ‘the Government can’t see the motorists as a cash cow, too often there’s that mentality’ and adding attacks on motorists were ‘offensive' it appears the policy of reducing costs at the pump has been a political winner.

Mr Osborne also announced that children would be exempt from tax on economy flights. This will apply for under 12s on flights from 1 May 2015, and for under 16s from 1 March 2016.

The Treasury estimate this would save an average family of four £26 on a flight to Europe and £142 on one to the US. Airlines must list charges separate from taxes on tickets.

Mr Osborne also reiterated his commitment to a Northern Powerhouse with better connections between the main cities of the North.

He added ‘my door is open to other cities who want to follow [Manchester’s] lead,’ opening up the potential of more local deals on transport and infrastructure powers as we saw earlier this month in the North West.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 p.a. Grade 5
We are excited to be expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team within County Durham and currently have a 30 hour vacancy and 2x 35 hours vaccnci Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Manager

Durham County Council
£50,269 - £54,495
An opportunity has arisen in the Highways Services for a Structures Manager    WHAT IS INVOLVED?  The post holder will be responsible for providing a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Learning Support Assistants

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022
Learning Support Assistants Grade 6   £28,142 - £31,022 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary  - Required from 1st November 2025 (or sooner  if possible) un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner