Scotland reneges on promise to cut air tax
Scottish travel agents have expressed ‘deep disappointment’ at the Scottish government’s U-turn on reducing air passenger duty north of the border.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon cited the need to cut carbon emissions for her decision not to introduce the promised tax break for the aviation industry.
Her Scottish National Party had promised to halve and possibly abolish APD altogether when it was voted into power in 2016.
Ken McLeod, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, said: "We are deeply disappointed by this U-turn on what was a flagship policy within the SNP’s election manifesto.
"Not only has the Scottish Government failed to deliver on this key pledge to provide tax breaks to the aviation industry, its position on issues affecting its roll-out has completely altered.
"We were told that the significant delays to the introduction of a devolved Air Passenger Duty were as a result of EU state aid rules, and today Nicola Sturgeon cites the need to cut carbon emissions as part of the effort to tackle climate change.
"Studies have shown that direct emissions from aviation account for about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions: there are many other polluters which account for far greater levels of emissions."
Saying this was ‘bad news’ for Scottish passengers and the nation’s tourism industry, McLeod claimed airlines were already moving routes elsewhere, reducing Scotland’s connectivity.
"SPAA will continue to lobby the UK government as members of~Fair Tax on Flying, and we will be pressing for the Scottish Government to reconsider its position," he added.
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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