Have your say on Fleet Budget Manifesto: a call to action from editor Stephen Briers

As the representative media brand for more than 16,000 fleet decision-makers, plus leasing companies and the fleet ops of manufacturers, we have been inundated with pleas to address the Government’s seemingly relentless attack on the company car.

This requires some thought: we’ve no desire to launch half-baked campaigns or to lobby the Government without industry agreement on a common manifesto.

We’ve been here before, of course, linking arms with ACFO and BVRLA on the Fleet Manifesto prior to the 2015 general election.

We brought together fleets, leasing and rental to agree a position on key topics which was presented to then DfT transport minister John Hayes at the House of Lords.

The report cascaded through the corridors of power and has helped influence Government policy, including on autonomous vehicles and reform of Highways Agency, while we understand the re-introduction of road safety targets is back on the agenda.

This year we addressed air quality alongside BVRLA, ACFO and Energy Saving Trust, meeting five city authorities charged with implementing clean air zones. Again, we found MPs were listening and willing to act.

Our plan now is to target the Budget with a Fleet Budget Manifesto which we are launching in our August issue (where we will also be celebrating our 40th birthday).

We are working in uncertain times: the impact of WLTP, no BIK thresholds post 2020/21, plus a possible Brexit no-deal.

We can’t promise to influence the Brexit negotiations, but we can help the fleet sector flex its combined muscle in other ways in the lead up to the Budget.

So, this is your chance. What do you want us to focus on? How can the Chancellor make a difference to your business?

Email your thoughts in confidence to me at stephen.briers@bauermedia.co.uk or comment online.