ABTA survey highlights APD unpopularity
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A poll released by the Association of British Travel Agents has highlighted the unpopularity of the recently announced Air Passenger Duty rise.
The announcement, which was made in yesterday’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor, George Osborne, confirmed that APD was to rise by 2.5%.
The survey confirmed that 64% of respondents believe that the current levels of APD are too high and 19% believing the current rate is fair. The UK’s rate of aviation tax is the highest in the world.
Interestingly, the poll also showed that almost half (47%) of respondents aged between 15-24 believe that the tax hike was going to have a negative effect on the UK economy. This increased to 70% for those over 65.
Mark Tanzer ABTA chief executive said: “Despite the clear calls from the public and businesses, the Government is still refusing to commission an independent review into APD. This week I met Sajid Javid MP, the Minister responsible for APD, and it is evident that the Treasury is still to be convinced of the merits of this approach. With another rise in APD expected to be announced tomorrow it’s vital that businesses and consumers continue to maintain the pressure on the Government to freeze APD until they have conducted a proper, independent analysis on the impacts of this tax on the economy.”
