RHA Coach launches MP appeal for fuel duty relief
RHA Coach is calling for members to write directly to their local MP to support an appeal for a 15p per litre diesel duty rebate.
The organisation, backed by the giant haulage body RHA, says the rising cost of fuel cannot be met for a great deal of contracted work and comes alongside other cost pressures: “We’re pressing the Treasury hard for this measure which is similar to schemes in several European countries and supported by a number of MPs. But we need to get more parliamentarians on side to help us win the argument so we’re asking you to help,” said a letter to members.
The templated letter reads:
“Subject: Help address the rising cost of living with an Essential User Rebate on fuel duty
As a coach business within your constituency, I am getting in touch about fuel costs. Soaring fuel prices are driving this cost-of-living crisis, and every level of the economy is feeling the pain.
While some can make changes to their lifestyle or routine to absorb some of this impact, for the coach industry it is simply not possible. In addition to supporting tourism, coaches play a vital role in getting children to school safely and providing other essential services, including 1 million rail replacement journeys.
The industry has faced an incredibly difficult period throughout the pandemic with travel restrictions, cancelled bookings, rising costs and lost turnover. This, combined with the accumulation of debt from lockdown periods, and increased cost pressures with inflation and fuel costs is an escalating problem.
The 5p fuel duty cut, whilst welcome at the time, was not passed on and was quickly overtaken by rising prices.
Many coach operators have no choice but to absorb these increased costs and are unable to alter the terms of existing contracts delivering essential services such as school transport. They simply cannot sustain the increased fuel costs.
I need you to ask the Chancellor to implement the RHA’s plan for an Essential User Rebate of 15p per litre on fuel duty.
Many other European nations including Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland have instituted such an Essential User Rebate. Such a move would help keep essential operators in business and ease the rising cost-of-living whilst limiting the inflationary effect on other consumers.
We are determined to play our part in the economic recovery getting people to places and attractions across the UK. There has never been a more challenging time for our industry, and we need help if we are to keep playing our part in the economic recovery.
I look forward to your support at this difficult time.
Yours sincerely
RHA Coach has created an easy-to-use web page which can be accessed on-line at https://rhacontactmp.uk.net/email-your-mp To send the letter, you first use your postcode to find your local MP.