digitalman
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Just to let everyone know I have sent 4 emails off today asking Tony, David, Ming (not our Ming, or maybe it is ) and the Green Party, asking why the government wants to tax alternative fuels and does not give the individual a tax break when using these fuels. I'll keep this updated if and when I receive any replies.
" Hi There *****,
I have a question on alternative fuel sources for vehicles and why they are taxed so heavily. The present tax laws in the UK would appear to set a monopoly for the government and the oil companies as to who is able to supply consumers with fuel to run their vehicles. There are now viable alternatives to using diesel in vehicles, which on the information I have read would appear to be greener alternatives to standard diesel. However, there is no incentive for individuals to use these alternatives as the government still want to charge you fuel duty etc. which when added to the cost of obtaining alternative fuel make it more expensive to use.
Of course there are methods of obtaining virtually free alternative fuel, but once again the taxation of something that might cost nothing in the first place makes the use of alternatives marginal for overall cost. Also I believe that if an individual is caught using self made alternative fuel they fax paying back tax, possible fine or confiscation of the vehicle. Not much incentive there to recycle and go greener.
Now Im not saying individuals should take up semi commercial production of alternative fuels and not all diesel vehicles can run on 100% alternative fuel, but most can run on a mix of diesel (for which the government will still get their tax etc) and alternative fuels. By reducing the amount of diesel consumed in the UK would lower net imports of oil, be better for the balance of payments of the country, encourage people to go greener and recycle more possible waste oil. It could also remove the virtual monopoly that Oil companies have over the market and the price fluctuations that affect inflation and other key parts of the economy of the nation.
After all if I put solar panels on my roof and heated my water or generated some electricity I would not expect to then pay the government the VAT they had lost because I no longer relied on the Electricity company for all my needs and if I bought a bike to use instead of a car the government would not ask me for back payment in lost fuel duties, road tax, so why is the policy on alternative fuels for vehicles. The government still would get taxation from road tax, spare parts and the commercially bought fuels so why not give zero taxation to individuals (not companies) who are trying to do their bit.
When I mention the government in the email I am using it in a generic way and not referring to the party that is in power at present. The same email will be sent to the other political party leader to see what their response is.
Regards
Steve ***** "
Steve
" Hi There *****,
I have a question on alternative fuel sources for vehicles and why they are taxed so heavily. The present tax laws in the UK would appear to set a monopoly for the government and the oil companies as to who is able to supply consumers with fuel to run their vehicles. There are now viable alternatives to using diesel in vehicles, which on the information I have read would appear to be greener alternatives to standard diesel. However, there is no incentive for individuals to use these alternatives as the government still want to charge you fuel duty etc. which when added to the cost of obtaining alternative fuel make it more expensive to use.
Of course there are methods of obtaining virtually free alternative fuel, but once again the taxation of something that might cost nothing in the first place makes the use of alternatives marginal for overall cost. Also I believe that if an individual is caught using self made alternative fuel they fax paying back tax, possible fine or confiscation of the vehicle. Not much incentive there to recycle and go greener.
Now Im not saying individuals should take up semi commercial production of alternative fuels and not all diesel vehicles can run on 100% alternative fuel, but most can run on a mix of diesel (for which the government will still get their tax etc) and alternative fuels. By reducing the amount of diesel consumed in the UK would lower net imports of oil, be better for the balance of payments of the country, encourage people to go greener and recycle more possible waste oil. It could also remove the virtual monopoly that Oil companies have over the market and the price fluctuations that affect inflation and other key parts of the economy of the nation.
After all if I put solar panels on my roof and heated my water or generated some electricity I would not expect to then pay the government the VAT they had lost because I no longer relied on the Electricity company for all my needs and if I bought a bike to use instead of a car the government would not ask me for back payment in lost fuel duties, road tax, so why is the policy on alternative fuels for vehicles. The government still would get taxation from road tax, spare parts and the commercially bought fuels so why not give zero taxation to individuals (not companies) who are trying to do their bit.
When I mention the government in the email I am using it in a generic way and not referring to the party that is in power at present. The same email will be sent to the other political party leader to see what their response is.
Regards
Steve ***** "
Steve