Haulage firms offered tax relief in wake of foot and mouth
Date: 20 August 2007
Freight haulage firms affected by the recent foot and mouth disease outbreak are eligible for tax help.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has said that it will help those firms who find it difficult to meet tax obligations because of the recent events, considering each case individually.
In the wake of the outbreak, restrictions on the transportation of livestock and the export of food products were put in place, badly affecting haulage firms. Cheltenham's Gilder Transport told RoadTransport.com that it was losing around £150,000 a week as a direct result.
However, HMRC has said it will defer the collection of taxes where struggling businesses are unable to pay. Failing that, it will agree new instalment arrangements where appropriate.
It has also said it will suspend debt collection proceedings, defer compliance checks and investigations, consider removing interest that mounts up as a result of late tax payments, and offer advice relating to tax.
A helpline, 0845 366 1207, will be manned seven days a week between 8am and 8pm for freight haulage firms who wish to get in touch.
The news will be welcomed by pressure group the Road Haulage Association, which pointed out that the haulage industry's recovery from the previous major outbreak of foot and mouth disease was slow.
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