MPs warn APD rise will stop families flying
Three out of four MPs say the Government's plans for a double-inflation rise in air passenger duty in 2012 may stop ordinary families from flying.
A ComRes survey of more than 150 MPs carried out on behalf of ABTA found that Conservative party members were most worried by the proposed tax increase, with 83% saying that further increases may price some people out of air-based holidays.
Overall, 75% said they feared a rise in APD may stop families flying, a big jump from just 39% last year.
ComRes chairman Andrew Hawkins said: "It is rare indeed for the tide of opinion among MPs to turn so massively within the space of just nine months.
"Concern about this issue among MPs of all parties, and particularly among Conservatives, is surely something that George Osborne will have to address ahead of the planned APD rises in April next year."
Labour MPs were the least concerned, with 67% expressing concern about the tax increase; 71% of Lib Dems said it could impact on family travel plans.
Twenty 20 cross-party MPs and peers have written to the Chancellor George Osborne today urging him to re-consider plans for the tax increase.
They said the effect of a double-inflation rise in APD "will be a significant increase in the cost of flying abroad next year, at a time when many ordinary families are already coming under severe financial pressure."
APD was frozen for a year in April but the Chancellor is expected to confirm plans for a double-inflation increase next year in his autumn statement on November 29.
ABTA pointed out that airlines will also enter the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) next year, further increasing the price of air fares.
MPs across the UK expressed concern about the rising cost of flying for their constituents, especially in London (78%) and the South of England (90%).
Recent data shows that holiday-makers are already cutting back on flying, said ABTA. The Office of National Statistics figures show a decline in air passenger numbers from the UK to European destinations, which fell 3.4m from 45.9m in 2009 to 42.6m in 2010.
Brian Donohoe MP, Chairman of an influential All Party Group on aviation, said that: "With so many MPs concerned about the impact of rising aviation duty on ordinary families, the Treasury should change course and suspend its plans for the damaging tax rises. The Government should be trying to support ordinary families, not adding to the financial pressures many are facing."
ABTA is inviting people to show support for its Fair Tax on Flying Campaign by joining its Facebook page: facebook.com/afairtaxonflying
By Linsey McNeill
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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