CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown’s decision to reduce the rate of Air Passenger Duty on lower cost flights shows the power of effective lobbying.
Of course, no-one is claiming that this is a massive victory for the industry, particularly as it will only offset the fact that APD is to be charged on both legs of a return journey.
F-Air Passenger Duty for all chairman Richard Tobias summed it up when he said it was a “small victory for common sense”.
But, it’s better than nothing and came as a result of the F-Air Passenger Duty for all campaign persuading the Treasury, with the support of Travel Weekly, to lower rates.
We’re not claiming to be able to change the Government’s mind over issues, but we are proud to campaign on behalf of our readers over issues that matter to them.
The announcement came 19 months after Brown ended the two-tier level of Insurance Premium Tax, which was having a devastating effect on travel agents. Again Travel Weekly lobbied the Government hard against the tax through the Fair Travel Tax Campaign.
The news about APD will give the F-Air Passenger Duty for all campaign great heart to continue the fight and it deserves the backing of everyone. This Government has shown it is at least prepared to listen to the industry.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor