FPB slams parking tax plans

Date: 24th August 2010

Small business owners in the UK could be among those interested to hear one industry body's views on plans to extend a "controversial" tax on private parking.

A number of councils across the country are said to be preparing to introduce a workplace parking levy (WPL), which will mean businesses are taxed on the parking they provide for employees.

The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) has voiced its "deep opposition" to the plans, saying such taxes would "provoke fury" among the UK's business operators.

Chris Gorman a spokesman for the organisation, said: "When the Nottingham WPL scheme was given the go-ahead last year, we said at the time that it would only be a matter of time before it spread to other towns and cities. Sadly, it appears those fears will soon be realised.

"In our view … it's simply a stealth tax which will have a disproportionate impact on small businesses. It's the equivalent of charging homeowners to park on their own driveways."

Posted by Jacob Williams