RHA meets with Treasury Minister
On Monday 23 March, a delegation from the Road Haulage Association comprising National Chairman Andy Boyle, Chief Executive Roger King and Policy Director Jack Semple, met with Exchequer Secretary, Angela Eagle MP to discuss the Association’s budget submission.
“We had a good hearing and were able to emphasise the points we raised in our earlier written submission”, said Roger King.
“Paramount amongst these was of course fuel duty, and we contrasted the approach of the German government in offering its hauliers an aid package of 350 million Euros with the prospect of ours increasing taxation via the 1.8 pence per litre imposition proposed for 1 April, followed by successive compound increases at 0.5 ppl + RPI.
“We pressed for hauliers to receive a rebate at least in line with further duty increases, leaving the minister in no doubt that adding to the cost of haulage was something the industry could not bear, particularly at this time of economic uncertainty.
“We further raised the additional cost of the forthcoming training directive and urged consideration of funding for training through such programmes as SAFED which could count towards the drivers’ annual CPC accreditation.
“From a practical point of view, as an active haulier I was able to bring first hand experience from an operator’s perspective”, said RHA National Chairman Andy Boyle. “And those who know me will not be surprised to learn that I did not mince my words. But whether the Minister and officials present got the message we must wait and see”.
“One can never be sure just how effective such meetings are”, continued Roger King. “But I believe that it beats letter writing because you can give far greater emphasis to your case if you meet face to face. And that is what our members want to see”.
Road Haulage Association – more than you think
For more details, contact RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs on . . .
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 838917
Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451
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