JET SET PM HIKES DOMESTIC AIR TAX
But guess what... private planes and helicopters are spared rise
AIR tax is taking off for everyday folk on domestic flights but jetsetter Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spared well-off private plane and chopper users any increases.
From April, Air Passenger Duty for those flying economy class within the UK rises from £6.50 to £7, while premium economy or business class users face a hike from £13 to £14.
But the tax for private jets remains frozen at £78 and helicopters are entirely exempt as it only applies to “fixed-wing” aircraft.
Treasury Minister Gareth Davies told MPs helicopters incur fuel duty and the APD on private jet passengers is far higher than on commercial fliers.
Mr Sunak faces ongoing criticism of his frequent use of luxury air travel.
In his first 11 months as PM, he took 20 domestic flights on RAF planes and helicopters, more than his three predecessors. He ran up a £43,700 bill with the Ministry of Defence and cast doubt on his green credentials. Tory donors have also paid for £85,583 of domestic flights for the PM during the same period.
Shadow Financial Secretary James Murray said: “When Rishi Sunak is raising taxes on workers, it beggars belief he is freezing taxes on his private jet trips. It shows just how out of touch the Tories are. Yet again, it is one rule for them, another for everyone else.”
A Treasury document on APD changes said the rise “is in line with RPI, constituting a real-terms freeze”.
The Treasury said: “We are committed to delivering on net-zero.
“APD on helicopters risks incentivising use of lighter aircraft that wouldn’t be as safe in harsh environments and some use aviation gasoline, which already incurs fuel duty.”
The average domestic flight fare rose £63 between 2010, when the Tories took power, and 2022, the Office for National Statistics says.
Again, it is one rule for them and another for the rest
JAMES MURRAY SHADOW MINISTER