Frequent Flyer Levy
April 2022
Technologies to get us to net zero aviation are some way off, although a lot of progress is being made, not least in places like the Whittle Laboratory in Cambridge.
Frequent flyers already pay more under the Air Passenger Duty system (the more you fly, the more you pay), and I welcome recent consultation on aviation tax reform and look forward to the outcome of this consultation. An additional frequent flier levy would be complex to administer, could be difficult to implement, would pose data processing and privacy concerns, and could prove unfair for those with an essential need to fly frequently. I think it is therefore sensible to keep any changes within the context of the existing APD system.
Fair Charge Campaign
February 2022
I had not realised the issue about inconsistency of VAT, and I am glad my constituents have brought it to my attention.
The use of electric vehicle charging points is becoming more common in public places and I am aware that HMRC has received requests from businesses and business representatives to clarify the rules in specific cases, and in particular to confirm the VAT status of electric vehicle charging at charging points in public places.
There is a reduced rate of VAT for supplies of small quantities of electricity, known as ‘de minimis’. The de minimis provision does not apply to supplies of electric vehicle charging at charging points in public places. This is because these supplies are made at various places such as car parks, petrol stations and on-street parking, not to a person’s house or building.
Any decision to modify our tax regime is a matter for the Treasury and careful consideration will be given to any proposed amendments to current VAT rates. The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT. I shall be following the developments on this issue closely, and I will ensure my colleagues at the Treasury are aware of this issue.
Road Safety
February 2022
In September 2021, I know the Department for Transport published an updated version of the Highway Code. This edition introduces a ‘hierarchy of road users’, a concept whereby the road users able to do the greatest harm are bestowed the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users.
I am told that the hierarchy will bring about a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users. At the top of the hierarchy are pedestrians (in particular children) older adults and disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.
Road traffic offences have been a central focus for my Ministerial colleagues. That is why legislation will be strengthened in 2022 to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games. This will mean anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
Drink driving enforcement has been strengthened too, by ending the automatic right for drivers who fail a breathalyser test to demand a blood and urine test, thereby removing the opportunity to sober up while waiting for the test to be taken.
And further, a wide-ranging roads policing review is being undertaken, which among other things is looking into how intelligence can be better used to target dangerous behaviours and how technology can help enforce road traffic law now and in the future. Ministers are currently analysing feedback and will respond to the consultation in due course.
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