The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has highlighted 13 key areas of fleet taxation that need change or clearer definitions to support the industry going forwards.

The AFP’s Tax Manifesto 2021 says there are a number of areas where information is needed – including clear signposting of EV initiatives and road toll plans

Published this morning, the organisation’s Tax Manifesto 2021 says there are a number of areas where information is needed – including clear signposting of EV initiatives and road toll plans.

The document, unveiled as part of the industry body’s ‘Tax and the Company Car’ webinar held today, also said that the ‘available-to-use’ rule needs updating and that home-working definition and concessions should be extended.

The new guide also continues the AFP’s ongoing calls for Benefit-in-Kind taxation tables covering until 2029/30 to be published, to help fleets meet EV targets, and for Clean Air Zones to be co-ordinated nationally.

Chair Paul Hollick explained: “We’ve been having wide-ranging discussions with our members and other interested parties about areas where we believe that the taxation of fleets and mobility needs changing or developing in order to create effective incentives, greater certainty and more fairness.

“The results, which we believe are constructive, realistic and thought-provoking, are contained in this document. We plan to use it as the foundation for our conversations with the Government and HMRC in the coming months and years.”

The 13 points in the tax manifesto are:
1. Benefit-in-Kind taxation tables until 2029/30 are needed to meet EV targets
2. Clean Air Zones should be co-ordinated nationally
3. The “available to use” rule needs updating
4. A clear definition of occasional private use is required
5. Home working definition and concessions should be extended
6. Road tolling needs to be clearly signposted
7. Parking costs should be linked to shared mobility and public transport solutions
8. Inner city parking needs to be improved
9. Tax breaks are needed for employees taking a mobility solution…
10. …and for shared and low carbon mobility
11. Higher taxes on older vehicles may be justified
12. Clear signposting of EV initiatives is required
13. A national kerbside charging strategy is essential

Hollick continued: “Most of the points in the manifesto are directed related to the changing shape of the fleet sector, especially surrounding the electrification of the car and van parcs, and the move towards mobility rather than just fleet solutions. In these cases, government policy and HMRC implementations often lag some way behind the issues that AFP members face in the real world.

“Of the 13 points, several could be implemented very easily indeed, almost at the stroke of a pen. Others, such as the need for discussions around a road tolling plan, are very much strategic and part of longer-term shifts in policy.

“What we hope to see now is the Tax Manifesto 2021 considered across the fleet and mobility sectors and to hear the reaction from all parties who have an interest. It is by no means a fixed document and we are very much open to further ideas and refinements.”

Copies of the Tax Manifesto 2021 can be obtained by e-mailing administration@theafp.co.uk.