Last night Gordon Brown gave his pre-budget report and, once again, green issues were at the heart of it. For the first time in three years there is a rise in fuel duty, whilst air passenger duty will also rise.
These transport rises were fairly predictable as it looks increasingly like the Government is using the green agenda to justify increasing unpopular taxes. However, there was also an annoucement that all new homes will be carbon zero within 10 years and any home that meets that target will also be free of stamp duty, which is quite encouraging.
As is becoming clear, though, time will tell whether these measures are enough to make a difference. Let's hope so..
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These may only be small steps, but very positive steps. I'm pleased to see that some action is being taken. The increase in fuel tax is a great start, but it's not enough to discourage people from driving or flying. Fuel prices have been 10p a litre higher than their current level and all that did was to increase the amount that people moaned, not reduce the amount they drive.
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