Partner Article

Autumn Statement: Progress at last!

Jakes de Kock, marketing director at The Fuelcard Company, comments on the impact of the Autumn statement.

I think the resounding sentiment from today’s Autumn Statement must be positivity, and it’s certainly about time. News that the proposed 3pppl fuel duty increase has been cancelled after more than a year of deferrals is undoubtedly a huge boost to the transport sector and testament to the tireless efforts of campaigns such as FairFuelUK. At least it means we can all look forward to starting the New Year with optimism – and slightly less concern for our stretched budgets.

For a long time we have been calling on the Government to recognise the importance of UK infrastructure, particularly transport, which is the backbone in keeping our economy moving, so it’s good to hear George Osborne’s plans for much-needed investment in our roads. Proposed improvements to the A1 and M25 will be an important boost in developing transport links between the North and South, I just hope the execution is as good as the promise!

While I’m also pleased to hear of the Government’s invigorated support for UK exporting, I would still like to see more help for the businesses who will be transporting goods to the ports and airports before they leave the country. Our agricultural industry survives through the use of red diesel obtained at a lower cost than regular fuel, so why could the Government not offer a similar scheme, or at the very least tax breaks, for the drivers and transporters who will be facilitating this boost in exports?

Overall, I think we have plenty of reasons to be encouraged by Mr Osborne’s plans. As always, there is still more to be done however it seems the Government may be finally beginning to understand what the UK economy needs in order to get back on track. I look forward to seeing what April’s Budget will bring.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Fuelcard Company .