George Osborne fails to address driver shortage
RHA
| Road Haulage Association
Chancellor George Osborne has failed to make a commitment to targeted funding for hauliers despite intensive lobbying by the Road Haulage Association and, with the current shortage of drivers standing 45,000, the industry remains in crisis.
The Chancellor’s rejection at this stage of our call to support the cost of getting UK residents licenced and qualified to drive heavy goods vehicles is a poor one for the economy, for tax receipts and for the industry. But we note his commitment to finding an industry-led solution with the right level of funding support and we look forward to further discussions.
Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “We have put forward a strong, clear argument for why funding is necessary and appropriate. Our lobby for funding support will be even stronger in the coming weeks.
“I would like to thank the many RHA members and other organisations who have supported our lobby and continue to do so. Meanwhile, the RHA is committed to pressing ahead with its programme of advising members, promoting the industry and working to improve drivers’ conditions.
“We note the continued, freeze on fuel duty which was expected. Had he reduced duty (as he did with alcohol) he would have boosted growth and employment as demonstrated through the independent, RHA-funded, NIESR research.
“The continued freeze on HGV vehicle excise duty is an appropriate recognition of the vital role trucks play throughout the economy”.
