The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has released an updated Tax and Regulation Manifesto before the UK election on 4 July.
This manifesto, first introduced in 2021 and revised early last year, has expanded from 13 to 24 points, reflecting the increasing complexity of issues faced by the fleet industry.
AFP’s updated manifesto includes proposals to clarify regulations for 4.25t electric vans, extend benefit-in-kind taxation tables to 2030, and cancel plans to introduce Vehicle Excise Duty on electric vans from April 2025.
It also calls for fiscal measures to enhance the attractiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) in the used market, chargepoint regulation and labelling for EVs, among others.
AFP chairman Paul Hollick said: “Since the pandemic, the problems that fleets are facing seem to have multiplied, largely as we grapple with the implications of electrification and other zero-emissions initiatives.
“Whoever wins power, we hope to work with them to help resolve these many issues, and the document represents the AFP’s core thinking about what needs to be done.”
The document highlights the need for better operational viability of electric vans, improvements in charging infrastructure, and government support similar to the car sector to stimulate the electric van market.
Hollick noted: “Some kind of government support is needed to really get the electric van market moving in the same manner.”
He also pointed out the necessity of a robust used market for achieving the UK’s car parc electrification goals.
Hollick mentioned the potential of government interventions such as interest-free loans, to bolster buyer appetite for EVs.
The AFP aims for the manifesto to initiate discussions within the fleet industry and political spheres, using the upcoming general election as a catalyst for change.
Hollick added: “As an organisation, we would like to help enable those conversations to take place, and for whoever wins power to take a serious look at the resulting suggestions. Of the points we suggest, several could be implemented quite easily by any new government. Others, such as the need for discussions around a road tolling plan, are very much strategic and part of longer-term shifts in policy.”
Last week, Auto Trader revealed that the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate is driving down the cost of new EVs.
