Under-pressure UK transport and logistics firms “dodge Budget bullet”

UK logistics groups welcomed the decision in today’s new budget to maintain a 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut and avoid planned increases, and ensuring warehouse rates do not rise, but there have also been warnings that businesses continue to face significant cost pressures.

In his first budget as chancellor – and first for the new Burnham government – John Healey rowed back plans to increase fuel duty by 3p per litre in January, followed by a further 2p rise in March, to ease some of the burden on the UK’s supply chains.

Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said the move was a “a wise decision” that would help keep trade moving, support economic growth and avoid adding to the already substantial inflationary pressures.

“We are delighted that that the Chancellor has listened to Logistics UK’s strong case for maintaining the duty cut at a time of global uncertainty and rising costs for businesses and consumers,” Mr Fletcher added.

This story was originally published by The Loadstar. Read the full story at The Loadstar →