No logic to logistics tax increases, says Logistics UK

Speaking after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-budget speech today (4 November), business group Logistics UK’s Acting Chief Executive Kevin Green commented:

“Increasing the cost of doing business for logistics companies is counterproductive and will put the hand brake on growth and drive inflation.

“Whether tax increases come from fuel duty, employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) or business rates, the result will be the same: higher prices for households and businesses.

“Profit margins in the road haulage sector are around 2% and almost 500 hauliers went bust last year. The sector simply cannot afford to absorb any more costs, so a tax on logistics will be a tax on everyone.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk