Comments on: Budget ‘08: How Are Van Owners Affected?

By: Van Hire

Van Hire — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:51:08 +0000

I’m not sure of the details of your position regarding tax. I would suggest checking with your finance department or ringing your local tax office for advice. You may also find some helpful information on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk (Inland Revenue’s website).

Roland

By: B Lee

B Lee — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:44:10 +0000

I have been given the use of a company van but have to put my own fuel in. I can claim 19p per mile for fuel used on company businees, What is my tax position

By: Van Hire

Van Hire — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:25:39 +0000

Rachel,
While biofuel production is undoubtedly diverting some crops from food use, I’m not sure that this is the only factor in play. From what I understand, growing global demand and changing consumption patterns in developing countries are also contributing to the problem.

You are definitely right about the western nations not picking up the tab, however - just as we penalise the owners of older, higher emission vehicles in the UK, we export them as fast as we can to developing countries, where they continue in use for many more years.

These are, of course, the same developing countries that we criticise for not lowering their carbon emissions… Perhaps we should offer some constructive help, rather than just passing all our old, dirty technology to them.

By: Rachel Nunn

Rachel Nunn — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:39:01 +0000

Sadly the tab is not really being picked up by anyone in the affluent nations, but, catastrohically by the world poor, starving whilst their food crops are used to produce bio fuels. It is estimated that 3 billion will starve so that we can continue to drive.

By: Van Hire

Van Hire — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:11:05 +0000

Many thanks for pointing this misunderstanding out. I have corrected the main article to reflect your comments.

By: David Heaton

David Heaton — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:11:15 +0000

The point about company van fuel benefit above is unfortunately wrong. The private fuel benefit for company van drivers remains at £500. The change in the Finance Bill 2008 is a technical amendment that simply prevents the reimbursement of fuel costs being a taxable payment as well as the fuel scale charge (£500) being taxed. This exemption from double charge already exists for company car drivers - this is what is now to be mirrored in the company van rules. Relax!