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Tom Rutland MP has visited BVRLA member Rivervale in Shoreham-by-Sea to hear about issues affecting the vehicle leasing sector, including electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) and challenges facing community minibus operators.
Discussions with the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham highlighted concerns around the Government's proposed eVED. BVRLA and New Automotive analysis estimates that the policy could cost EV drivers in the constituency around £200 more each year on average – approximately £1.3 million collectively.
While eVED changes secured following engagement by the BVRLA and wider fleet sector will ease some of the administrative burden, Rivervale also raised concerns about the practical operation of eVED and the lack of clarity around refunds where vehicles travel fewer miles than expected or are returned or sold.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing schools, charities and community organisations operating minibuses. Electric minibuses are currently excluded from the Plug-in Van Grant, while the number of drivers holding the D1 licence entitlement needed to drive many minibuses is expected to decline substantially over the coming years. Rivervale and the BVRLA are calling for action to help organisations transition to cleaner vehicles while maintaining access to the drivers they need.
The visit demonstrates the value of members engaging with their local politicians through the BVRLA's Industry Champions programme. Members can help amplify the sector's voice by hosting MPs at their businesses, writing to local representatives and supporting the association at meetings and engagement events. Find out more and get involved via Industry Champions.
Members can also support the BVRLA's ongoing campaign on eVED through the updated Write to your MP action. It takes just a few minutes to contact your local MP and reinforce the sector's concerns about the proposed tax. The more members raising these issues with MPs across the country, the stronger the sector's collective voice will be.
