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Post by LPL on Jun 25, 2012 11:05:03 GMT 1
Following proposals fed to the Government by one of LPL's owners, Peel, the Air Passenger Duty is set to become a variable tax. Peel argued that the tax, and the devolved powers given to the NI Government that cuts the APD for long haul routes exBFS which is also set to be copied by the Scottish Government, unfairly disadvantages the airport in the north of England. From the meeting between Peter Nears (Peel) and the secretary to the Treasury Chloe Smith, it emerged that the Government has commissioned research into the tax. www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2012/06/21/north-s-airport-passengers-to-pay-lower-tax-99623-31225910/ |
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Post by liverpoolman1 on Jun 26, 2012 6:56:14 GMT 1
Just wait for the crocodile tears from the Government as the "research" discovers that they cannot reduce APD at regional airports. The Government will say that it cannot be justified - regrettably - whilst at the same time laughing behind its hand that anyone should ever suggest that such a tax should be reduced, Why am I so cynical over this issue? Because the "crocodile teats" reaction was exactly the response I got when I raised this issue with my local, Conservative, MP so time back. His reply was a condescending pat-on-the-head - "there, there, little voter, don't you worry your little head about this. We know what we are doing". The fact that the local economy is badly affected by APD. Giving people the ability to assist in developing airports and related infrastructure seems beyond the thinking of Treasury officials. We will never get growth in this country if the Government buries its collective head in the sands and keeps trotting out the "deficit" mantra. It is time for some progressive thinking and APD could be used as a trial to show that aggressive policies will work. Yes, the Government does see APD as a cash cow but that is political short termism at its worst.
Rant over
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Bob F
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by Bob F on Jun 26, 2012 18:50:36 GMT 1
Did you know that the UK now has the highest air passenger tax in the world? Only five European countries tax passengers when they fly overseas and UK rates are twice the level of the next most expensive tax (levied in Germany). A Fair Tax on Flying campaign has calculated that the Treasury collected more than twice as much in passenger taxes in 2011 than the all other European countries that levy a tax combined. To put that into context, a family of four flying in Economy class from the UK to the United States, for example, pays £260 in APD tax, whereas in France the equivalent tax is only £38. That is a shocking difference. Why should I pay so much more than someone in France or any other country in Europe? Have a look at www.afairtaxonflying.org then e.mail your MP. |
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Post by liverpoolman1 on Jun 27, 2012 7:21:21 GMT 1
Agreed, Bob F. My neighbour, just back from China, reports people are choosing to use France as a European tour centre because of the horrendous APD added to their air fares by the UK Government. Look at the number of air connections from Paris to China as opposed to those from Heathrow, and the evidence is there before your eyes. Wake up, Mr. Osborne, growth is under your nose if you but see it. As I said in my previous posting, this is political short termism at its worst.
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Post by LPL on Jun 27, 2012 15:55:56 GMT 1
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Post by liverpoolman1 on Jun 28, 2012 6:48:08 GMT 1
The airport is recruiting users to protest to their MP's regarding APD. Has anyone else had trouble getting onto the protest website?
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Post by khardwk on Jun 28, 2012 11:39:25 GMT 1
"Problems getting on to the APD web site??"
Yes, I had a problem using the 'hot' link several times, but when I copied and then pasted the link into my browser it worked OK the first time.
Hope this helps.
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