BCC calls for abolition of parking "stealth tax"

Date: 7th July 2009

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for the government to reject proposals for the Workplace Parking Levy, labelling it a "stealth tax".

Nottingham City Council has submitted an application to the government concerning the implementation of the levy. The BCC has urged the Secretary of State to rebuff not only the council's plans, but to bin the tax nationally.

It suggested that the levy was a way of taxing businesses specifically and would cause unnecessary financial discomfort in what is an already difficult time.

The BCC said on its website: "The BCC believes that the Workplace Parking Levy is a stealth tax which singles out businesses. As the economy is now in a recession, this tax will be detrimental to businesses."

"Companies will be hit with an additional tax at a time when they least need it while towns and cities will see companies refusing to invest or in the worst case scenario relocating."

The BCC has set up a petition on its website for those wanting to oppose the tax.