MORE than 50 of the UK's leading contract hire and leasing companies are being invited to a pre-Budget 'CO2 Workshop' being organised by fleet consultancy Fleet Audits on Thursday (March 2). The Budget takes place on March 21, when Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown is expected to announce long-awaited details of the Government's plans for carbon dioxide-based company car tax to be introduced in April 2002 and graduated Vehicle Excise Duty to come into effect in the autumn.

Fleet Audits managing director Stewart Whyte, who has been involved in discussions with Government departments and serves on a number of Government-appointed working groups, said: 'Until Budget Tuesday, only the Chancellor and a few top officials will know what the changes are in detail. But, as a consultancy that has been at the heart of discussions and negotiations with the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions, Inland Revenue and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, we have a better grasp than most on the specifics, the most likely scenarios and the market place parameters that have influenced how these changes will be introduced.'

The workshop costs £500 plus VAT per delegate with discounts for subsequent delegates from the same company. It will be held at the White House Hotel, Regents Park, London. Further details and bookings on 01730 266666.