MP Raises Concerns on Detrimental Effect of Air Passenger Duty on Ayrshire Economy
Local MP Sandra Osborne has raised concerns regarding the detrimental impact of high levels of aviation tax on the Ayrshire economy.
Yesterday (Thu) there was a Commons debate regarding Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is charged to any passenger travelling from the UK. The UK has the highest rates of aviation tax in Europe. Recently there has been a succession of increases in the rate of APD with passengers now paying up to £170 in tax.
A study published yesterday by York Aviation, and commissioned by Scottish Airports, show that in percentage terms, Prestwick Airport is hit hardest due to high levels of APD – with a 14% drop in passenger numbers predicted.
Sandra spoke in the debate to highlight the affect of this tax on Prestwick Airport and the Ayrshire economy.
She said:
‘There is no doubt this tax is affecting the Ayrshire economy. We can see this by the reduction in passenger numbers at Prestwick Airport, and a cut in the number of routes. Local travel agents are also taking the hit because ordinary families are quite simply being priced out of flying – they just cannot afford the cost anymore, particularly when household budgets are already tight. I am also concerned that this tax is making Ayrshire less attractive as a tourist destination.
‘This tax is not credible and I am asking the Government to carry out a study into the impact of this- on jobs, the economy and families and to consider the negative impact it is having on inward investment and inbound tourism.’
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Local MP Sandra Osborne has raised concerns regarding the detrimental impact of high levels of aviation tax on the Ayrshire economy.
Yesterday (Thu) there was a Commons debate regarding Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is charged to any passenger travelling from the UK. The UK has the highest rates of aviation tax in Europe. Recently there has been a succession of increases in the rate of APD with passengers now paying up to £170 in tax.
A study published yesterday by York Aviation, and commissioned by Scottish Airports, show that in percentage terms, Prestwick Airport is hit hardest due to high levels of APD – with a 14% drop in passenger numbers predicted.
Sandra spoke in the debate to highlight the affect of this tax on Prestwick Airport and the Ayrshire economy.
She said:
‘There is no doubt this tax is affecting the Ayrshire economy. We can see this by the reduction in passenger numbers at Prestwick Airport, and a cut in the number of routes. Local travel agents are also taking the hit because ordinary families are quite simply being priced out of flying – they just cannot afford the cost anymore, particularly when household budgets are already tight. I am also concerned that this tax is making Ayrshire less attractive as a tourist destination.
‘This tax is not credible and I am asking the Government to carry out a study into the impact of this- on jobs, the economy and families and to consider the negative impact it is having on inward investment and inbound tourism.’
Ends