Budget 2018 promises to be the most significant for the fleet industry in recent history, which is why ACFO, the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, is holding its ‘State of the Nation 2’ seminar just days after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond’s statement.
Key measures anticipated by ACFO to be announced by the Chancellor include the shape of company car benefit-in-kind taxation from April 2020 following introduction of the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for homologating vehicle emission and MPG data.
The ACFO autumn seminar will be held on Friday, 2 November at the Charlton House, Luton Road, Luton LU4 9TT offices of seminar sponsor Vauxhall Motors.
Building on the ‘State of the Nation 1’ seminar held 12 months ago, the 2018 event will provide fleet decision-makers with clarity around all the key fleet-related Budget announcements, while also delivering updates on the introduction of WLTP, the future introduction by local authorities across the UK of clean air zones to tackle air pollution and the impact of Brexit on fleets and the wider automotive industry.
ACFO chairman John Pryor said: “We have already called on the Chancellor to provide long-term tax stability and clarity in the 29 October Budget. Currently fleet professionals and company car drivers are making vehicle acquisition decisions with no knowledge of benefit-in-kind tax rates post 2020/21.
“That lack of knowledge has already meant that the company car, a long-time favourite employee benefit, has come under increasing pressure. The Chancellor must answer ACFO’s call for benefit-in-kind tax rates to be announced in the Budget until the end of the 2024/25 financial year.”
Dan Rees, associate director, car and mobility consulting at professional services firm Deloitte, will provide seminar delegates with expert analysis of the Budget and how the various expected announcements will impact on fleets and company car drivers.
Mr Pryor added: “The anticipated Budget tax announcements relating to the company car are fleet operator critical and ACFO’s seminar will provide delegates with one of the very first opportunities to gain a deep understanding of the implications for them and their company car drivers.
“Given the unprecedented volume of change and uncertainty continuing to engulf fleets, it is a seminar that fleet decision-makers cannot afford to miss. Delegates will, we hope, leave the event fully briefed on all issues and with the facts so they can implement changes to policies and procedures.”
Other expert speakers include:
- Tim Anderson, senior transport manager, Energy Saving Trust, who will provide seminar attendees with an update on the government’s strategy on tackling air pollution and initiatives being introduced by local authorities, including clean air zones.
- Jay Parmar, director of policy and membership, at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, who will provide an insight on what a potential ‘no-deal’ Brexit means for fleets and the automotive industry if agreement is not reach with the European Union ahead of the UK leaving on 29 March, 2019.
- A representative of automotive industry data providers CAP HPI, who will provide an analysis of the impact the introduction of WLTP testing is having on motor manufacturers and fleets, including vehicle supply.
Additionally, Paul Hollick, chairman of the ICFM, the organisation dedicated to advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management through training and qualifications and with whom ACFO enjoys a close partnership, will provide an update.
The seminar starts at 9.30am (registration is from 8.30am) and closes at 1.30pm. The event will include question and answer sessions on each of the key issues being tackled.
To book a place at the seminar email Fiona Spencer at [email protected] or go to www.acfo.org.