TAX SHOCKER FOR ELECTRIC CAR DRIVERS

‘Free ride will end’

ELECTRIC car owners look set to pay road tax for the first time thanks to Jeremy Hunt.

On Thursday, the Chancellor will deliver his Autumn Statement and is expected to change the current rules which mean electric cars and vans are exempt from duty. With the increase in

people driving electric vehicles, there is a £7billion deficit in road tax finances.

The move is likely to create a backlash, however, as it appears to go against the

Government’s green agenda and discourage drivers from buying electric cars.

Mr Hunt said there will be a “tough road ahead” to shore up public finances after new figures showed the economy fell by 0.2% in the latest quarter.

Treasury sources say the Chancellor is likely to bring in multiple tax rises affecting millions of workers, as well as spending cuts.

The Bank of England last week said the UK could be facing a two-year recession, the worst on record.

Some independent economists have also warned “now is not the time for spending cuts or tax rises”.