Air Tax

UK Air Tax, how will it help?

The new UK air tax came in to force on the 1st of February 06 after the Chancellor Gordon Brown stated that airlines should pay more for the damage that they cause to the environment. Although from an environmental point of view this sounds like good news, I can’t seem to see the logic in the way this charge has been implemented nor can I remember seeing exactly how this new found revenue for the chancellor will be spent to tackle the issue of global warming.

In my mind, wouldn’t it have been much easier to have just implemented the new tax for all bookings made on or after say the 1st of February? The policy of back dating this charge for anyone that has already booked for a flight on or after the 1st of February seems to me a bit harsh for both the airlines and passengers. Lets face it, if I went to a shop, saw something that I wanted like a new TV, paid for it upfront for collection later, then when I turned up was told that I couldn’t have it unless I paid an additional £40.00, I wouldn’t be happy. With my limited understanding of consumer law, if this situation were to happen in a shop, I would have thought that the retailer would be in breach of contract as both parties had already given and received consideration and acceptance of the terms of the deal i.e. big TV for £500.

My next question would be, how much money will the chancellor make from this new tax in the next year and how exactly would this be used to tackle the issue of global warming? I personally can’t remember seeing any specific details but if anyone can remind me of how these newly found millions will be spent it would be appreciated.

Maybe it’s just me being cynical but without any clear statement on how this new revenue will be spent, I can’t help thinking that this might be just another stealth tax that will be used to prop up MP’s ever increasing travel, entertainment and accommodation expenses or some other Meaningless project or cause.