Warning after Scotland gets power over APD
ABTA is urging the Government to make sure its keeps Air Passenger Duty consistent across the UK after a decision was finalised to devolve power to charge APD to the Scottish Parliament.
The long-expected decision means that the Scottish Government can decide whether to cut APD from Scottish airports.
This, says ABTA, is good news for passengers flying from Scotland and for Scottish airports, but will come at a cost to the competitiveness of airports in England, particularly those in the north.
"A cut in one part of the UK is unacceptable and the most competitive rate should be matched for the benefit of the whole of UK plc and all UK consumers," said CEO Mark Tanzer.
“APD is a damaging tax that puts the UK at a competitive disadvantage – whatever steps the Scottish Government take following today’s announcement, we urge the UK Government to take the initiative now, review the impact of this damaging tax, and cut it to bring it in line with our neighbours.”
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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