Chancellor makes no change to APD
The travel industry has voiced its disappointment that Chancellor Philip Hammond did not cut air tax in yesterday’s Autumn Statement.
Instead, the Treasury said Air Passenger Duty ‘ensures the aviation sector contributes its fair share to reducing the budget deficit’.
Paul Wait, CEO of GMTC, said: "Following confirmation of expansion at Heathrow it is reassuring to see the government recognises the need for a continued investment in our infrastructure with the announcement today that there will be an extra £1.1bn invested in our transport networks, particularly in rail.
"Likewise support for the growth of UK plc with investment not only in our transport infrastructure but also the commitment to spend more than £1bn on our digital infrastructure will be welcomed by the business community and business travellers alike and we look forward to the government’s strategy to redistribute investment and support business growth beyond London and the south east.
"The elephant in the room that still needs to be addressed is that of APD and how any reduction can deliver benefits in another way and linked to existing Government objectives. Some creative thinking is required to progress this issue and move from its current position of intransigence."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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