Spring Budget – a fuel duty rebate for commercial vehicles to help ease cost of living crisis, RHA tells Chancellor

The RHA has called on Jeremy Hunt to launch a minimum 15 pence per litre fuel duty rebate for transport operators.

They urge the Chancellor to announce the measure in his Spring Statement on 15 March to reduce the costs of moving people and goods to boost the economy; they also call on him to freeze fuel duty on diesel for a further two years.

The Association is pressing the Treasury to increase support available for energy bills beyond April.

A recent survey of RHA members revealed that operating a 44-tonne HGV rocketed by 19 percent last year as fuel prices and wages significantly increased.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “Lorries, coaches and vans are the lifeblood of our economy but firms are grappling with huge cost increases that they often have no choice but to pass on.

“This is a great opportunity for the Chancellor to support businesses with a much-needed shot in the arm that would help ease the cost of living crisis and boost the economy.”

The RHA repeated its call for Apprenticeship Levy reform to help transport and logistics firms better access funding for training.

They are also pushing for more funding for safe and secure lorry parking and improved facilities for truckers.

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Notes for editors

Click here to read the Summary of the RHA’s Spring 2023 Budget representations to the Treasury.

They are calling for the following measures:

Take action to reduce the cost of fuel through tax relief, introducing a targeted essential user rebate of at least 15 pence per litre for commercial operators like HGVs and coach operators.

Commit to no increase in fuel duty for diesel for a further two years.

Reform of the Apprenticeship Levy, to provide greater flexibility for skills training.

Confirm funding for additional places on HGV Skills Bootcamps.

Extend the National Skills Fund to include all training levels.

Provide increased funding for safe and secure lorry parking facilities.

Continue the freeze on Vehicle Excise Duty.

Abandon the HGV levy in favour of an alternative scheme that ensures overseas operators coming to the UK help pay for the infrastructure they use.