UK: RMI Warns Tax Issue Could Affect 600 Fuel Service Stations
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Thursday, 25 February 2010 |
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It is estimated by the RMI that 600 independent fuel service stations,
mainly in rural areas, could close by the end of 2011 due to the
average 56% surge in their rateable value taking effect from April 2010.
RMI Petrol, which represents two thirds of the UK’s 9,000 service
station network, warned that motorists would suffer even longer trips
to find fuel. Chairman Brian Madderson said: “We are looking at
600 sites closing in England, Scotland and Wales. The cost of driving
to fill up will increase and for tourism in rural areas it will be a
significant disruption.
The number of UK fuel service stations has already plunged from 20,000
two decades ago to just 9,000 in 2010. Hundreds have diversified into
selling bread, milk and other basic groceries and snacks to help them
stay afloat. But the Government’s Valuation Office Agency has ramped up
the rateable value of garage convenience stores which will send costs
through the roof.
AA spokesman Luke Bosdet pointed out that petrol stations were often
the only local amenity in rural areas where pubs, shops and post
offices had already closed down, adding: “If the reward for beating all
the odds and staying open to serve people in the country is to be taxed
out of business, that will be a sad day.” The Countryside
Alliance’s Jill Grieve said: “This will be death by a thousand cuts for
the countryside and this is yet another body blow for those who are
trying to earn a decent living.”
PetrolWorld 170210
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