Builders hit by cruel new diesel taxes
WHITE Van Man suffered a second Budget blow last night with tax hikes on diesel motors.
The Government confirmed that it was looking at the “appropriate tax treatment”.
Rises in tax are likely in autumn. Self-employed workers such as builders have already been whacked by the higher National Insurance tax.
The Government said it is now looking at fuel “options” alongside plans to improve air quality but refused to give any more details.
Motoring campaigners believe these measures will include a rise in car tax or fuel duty for diesel drivers.
A tax rise on diesel drivers would penalise many self-employed workers who turned to the fuel to save on bills.
Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said: “Eleven ® million diesel owners with no affordable choice cannot be punished by a taxation scheme that will not reduce usage or pollution.”
Meanwhile, Chancellor Philip Hammond was facing growing pressure to back down on his £2billion National Insurance hike for the self-employed, even from within his own party. Fuming former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith and at least 10 Conservative backbenchers voiced their disapproval, even though Mr Hammond yesterday insisted it was “fair and appropriate”. BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson called the Chancellor “spreads*** Phil” during a live feature on the Budget.
The Today presenter accidentally mangled the Treasurer’s nickname “spreadsheet” but quickly corrected himself.