Multicom disappointed with APD increases in Autumn budget statement

Multicom MD John Howell has said he is “disappointed” with the decision by the Chancellor today to confirm the increase in the rates for Air Passenger Duty (APD) announced during his Autumn Budget statement.

Howell had been calling for the freeze and recently set up an e-petition urging everyone in the travel industry to get behind the campaign calling for a freeze on APD.

In the first three days the e-petition had secured more than 550 signatures.

Speaking after today’s announcement Multicom MD John Howell said: “This is very disappointing news and is not the right thing to do in the current economic climate.

“By increasing APD and raising the level of the tax next April the government has denied the travel industry and UK plc a much needed lifeline when it needed it most.

“We must continue to lobby hard though as we still have a long way to go to convince the government that there is a case for reforming APD.

“I am disappointed our voice appears to have been ignored by the Chancellor and the opportunity to keep APD levels at their current rate for another twelve months has been lost.”