The UK Mineral Products Association has given its initial response to the Autumn Budget from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
Mark Russell, executive director at the MPA, said: “The Chancellor’s welcome decision to retain the Quarry Exemption and not proceed with reform to the Landfill Tax is a real relief and follows a significant campaign by the MPA. The proposed changes would have had a severe impact on the mineral products industry, with a knock-on effect for the UK economy, construction and nature conservation.
“Beyond this sensible decision, we have concerns over the new higher rate of business rates for large quarries, cement plants and asphalt plants. The tax burden on business is holding Britain back, placing British industry and British jobs at risk.”
WATA UK has also welcomed the announcement by Chancellor Reeves on the Qualifying Fines Regime, and the Government’s promise to work with industry going forward.
WATA, the Washed Aggregates Trade Association, took part in the Landfill Tax Consultation on behalf of its members earlier this year and called on the Government to urgently review its proposals to remove the Qualifying Fines Regime, which it said would have been a disaster for the washed aggregates sector.
Andy Hill, WATA CEO, said: “It is great that HMRC has listened to us. Today’s announcement is exactly what WATA called for in responding to the consultation, and we are looking forward to working with the Government around the qualifying fines issue going forward.”
WATA also welcomed today’s announcement not to merge the landfill tax rates and to continue to allow quarries with disposal permits to have exemptions.
“Not having the ability to continue to restore quarries with materials would have been catastrophic for the industry,” continued Andy.
“Today’s budget decisions have given our industry some breathing space to work with Government and to continue to push for washed recycled aggregates to play a bigger role in their policies going forward.”
