Freight Taxes Inquiry. Get involved now!
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The inquiry team reports that just three weeks after its launch, early
responses from the 300 direct contacts already made, point to
increasing fuel duty and foreign competition as being the fundamental
issues affecting the survival of a high quality and effective UK-based
road freight industry for the future.
At this first progress report stage, the inquiry team has put in place an intensive information gathering process. It says the initial feedback will now be enhanced and built upon through the following actions:
· A multi-part questionnaire designed to be answered by users and operators of goods vehicles is being tested. Over 100,000 will be sent out in September by trade associations, professional bodies and the press. It will also be available on the Burns Inquiry website: www.freight-taxes.co.uk
· A calendar of events is featuring up to 50 Burns Inquiry open meetings throughout England, Wales and Scotland in September and early October (Details to be announced). These will help the Burns Inquiry team access information and feedback from as many operators of all types and sizes in every sector.
· A team of dedicated project consultants has been positioned to proactively conduct face-to-face and telephone interviews to gather 'hard facts and evidence' for the inquiry.
· Some key investigation streams have been identified to update and confirm the real facts on the comparative cost differences between UK fleets and foreign vehicles running on cheaper less taxed continental fuel. These facts will provide a solid foundation base for the Inquiry.
'Our aim is to build a top class accurate bank of information of comparative costs, supported by clear industry-wide evidence of the effects of increasing fuel duty and foreign competition on different types and sizes of business', says Robbie Burns chairman of the inquiry. 'This first phase of the inquiry will identify the industry's case, before we then start to think about recommending a solution.'
Burns stressed the importance of this rare opportunity for all operators and users of road transport services to have their say: 'We must search out views from right across the industry and turn up the volume to identify what exactly is our case. The Burns Inquiry alone will not solve the industry's problems, but it can help channel a single cohesive voice to government who are currently offering absolutely nothing', he said. 'With an industry wide conviction we can seize the moment to create a professionally thought through response, but only if you all make a contribution. So speak up, attend the meetings and respond to the questionnaire', he concluded.
The Burns Inquiry was set up by the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association as an independent inquiry to update the evidence for the damaging effects of high levels of fuel duty and foreign competition on the UK road freight industry.
It can be contacted by email: evidence@freight-taxes.co.uk through its website: www.freight-taxes.co.uk by post to PO Box 259, TN2 9BS or by telephoning 08700 113331 or faxing to 08700 116516.
At this first progress report stage, the inquiry team has put in place an intensive information gathering process. It says the initial feedback will now be enhanced and built upon through the following actions:
· A multi-part questionnaire designed to be answered by users and operators of goods vehicles is being tested. Over 100,000 will be sent out in September by trade associations, professional bodies and the press. It will also be available on the Burns Inquiry website: www.freight-taxes.co.uk
· A calendar of events is featuring up to 50 Burns Inquiry open meetings throughout England, Wales and Scotland in September and early October (Details to be announced). These will help the Burns Inquiry team access information and feedback from as many operators of all types and sizes in every sector.
· A team of dedicated project consultants has been positioned to proactively conduct face-to-face and telephone interviews to gather 'hard facts and evidence' for the inquiry.
· Some key investigation streams have been identified to update and confirm the real facts on the comparative cost differences between UK fleets and foreign vehicles running on cheaper less taxed continental fuel. These facts will provide a solid foundation base for the Inquiry.
'Our aim is to build a top class accurate bank of information of comparative costs, supported by clear industry-wide evidence of the effects of increasing fuel duty and foreign competition on different types and sizes of business', says Robbie Burns chairman of the inquiry. 'This first phase of the inquiry will identify the industry's case, before we then start to think about recommending a solution.'
Burns stressed the importance of this rare opportunity for all operators and users of road transport services to have their say: 'We must search out views from right across the industry and turn up the volume to identify what exactly is our case. The Burns Inquiry alone will not solve the industry's problems, but it can help channel a single cohesive voice to government who are currently offering absolutely nothing', he said. 'With an industry wide conviction we can seize the moment to create a professionally thought through response, but only if you all make a contribution. So speak up, attend the meetings and respond to the questionnaire', he concluded.
The Burns Inquiry was set up by the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association as an independent inquiry to update the evidence for the damaging effects of high levels of fuel duty and foreign competition on the UK road freight industry.
It can be contacted by email: evidence@freight-taxes.co.uk through its website: www.freight-taxes.co.uk by post to PO Box 259, TN2 9BS or by telephoning 08700 113331 or faxing to 08700 116516.
