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| News - Press releases | ||
December 2009 BLA Hits out at Government Decision to Double Cost of Green TaxThe UK lime industry reacted with dismay today at the announcement in the Pre-Budget Report that the Climate Change Levy discount rate for those sectors with Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) is to be reduced from 80% to 65% in 2011. Commenting on the move, the Mineral Products Association’s Chief Executive, Nigel Jackson said, “The cement and lime industries, like many others, are going through one of the deepest and most prolonged recessions since the Second World War. Year on year, lime sales are down and the industry is shedding jobs. The new cost doubles the amount the industry has to pay in Climate Change Levy. This is yet another fiscal burden on businesses that provide essential mineral products which are already struggling with the impact of the recession. The Chancellor seems to be oblivious to the fact that if we want to attract and retain foreign direct investment in this country then we have to put the right economic and fiscal framework in place to it make it better than investing elsewhere. This tax grab is not the way to do it.”ENDS Notes to Editors For more information please contact Gwil Neal by tel: 0207 9638000 or e-mail gwilym.neal@mineralproducts.org The BLA is a constituent body of the Mineral Products Association Ltd., the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt and ready-mix concrete industries. The BLA represents the interests of six member companies, responsible for producing more than 95% of the lime sold in the UK. The BLA members are Hanson, Lhoist UK Ltd, Singleton Birch, Steetley Dolomite Ltd, Tarmac Buxton Lime & Cement UK and Totternhoe Lime and Stone Company Ltd. |