Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
11 April 2011 13:38
Air passengers have been spared increased flight costs with the delay in APD hike
Chancellor George Osborne has put off plans for the inflation-linked increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) airport departure tax until April 2012, offering much-needed relief to travel insurance holders.
Holidaymakers have been facing a steady increase in APD since its introduction in 1994. The increase in November last year pushed up the rate for air passengers on the longest flights by up to £170.
However, some business and luxury travellers may be affected as Mr Osborne announced tax would be imposed on private jets.
He said a proposal to replace APD with a per-plane levy is also being deferred as all options currently being considered would violate international law.
A consultation will also be launched on reforming APD to correct existing problems with the system.
Highlighted some of the issues, Mr Osborne told MPs that APD assumed that the Caribbean was further away from the UK than California.
Mike Carrivick, chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK, which represents 86 airlines, said: "The Chancellor's decision on APD is a welcome development but does not go far enough.
"The UK travel industry already pays the highest aviation taxes in Europe and the existing APD levels do not take into account the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) which airlines will pay into from January 2012. Other EU countries have reduced or are removing existing taxes prior to the introduction of EU ETS."
21 July 2017
Researchers have claimed that 1 in 3 dementia cases could be prevented were people to make certain changes to their lifestyles.
[more...]
20 July 2017
A report has criticised survival rates in the UK for a number of cancers.
19 July 2017
A leading expert in health inequality has called for 'urgent investigation' after increases in life expectancy stalled in recent years.
18 July 2017
People following a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of suffering dementia.
15 July 2017
If you often put in extra hours at work you may want to think again.
14 July 2017
Researchers have highlighted a link between tall men and aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
13 July 2017
More than three-quarters of long-term carers feel stressed by their role, according to a new report.
12 July 2017
Want to live a longer life? Try drinking more coffee - so say researchers.
11 July 2017
More people are diagnosed with cancer than those who are getting married each year, new research suggests.
08 July 2017
Heading off on holiday this summer? Don't forget your sunnies.
07 July 2017
Startling new figures have underlined the dementia challenge facing the country.
06 July 2017
When it comes to embarking on a new life or buying a holiday home in the sun, Spain is king among Brits.