Fleet operator organisation ACFO has announced a seminar which will focus on subjects including the chancellor of the exchequer’s upcoming budget.
The State of the Nation 2 seminar will be on 2 November, just days after the budget on 29 October.
The event, at sponsor Vauxhall’s offices in Luton, aims to provide clarity around key fleet-related budget announcements, which are expected to include plans for company car BIK taxation from April 2020, following the introduction of WLTP vehicle tests.
Other issues to be discussed include the future introduction by local authorities of Clean Air Zones to tackle air pollution, and the impact of Brexit on fleets and the wider automotive industry.
ACFO chairman John Pryor (pictured) said: “We have already called on the chancellor to provide long-term tax stability and clarity in the 29 October budget.
“Currently, fleet professionals and company car drivers are making vehicle acquisition decisions with no knowledge of benefit-in-kind tax rates post 2020/21.
“That lack of knowledge has already meant that the company car, a long-time favourite employee benefit, has come under increasing pressure.
“The chancellor must answer ACFO’s call for BIK tax rates to be announced in the budget until the end of the 2024/25 financial year.”
Among the speakers at the event will be Dan Rees, associate director for car and mobility consulting at professional services firm Deloitte. He will provide expert analysis of the budget and its effects.
Pryor said: “The anticipated budget tax announcements relating to the company car are fleet operator critical, and ACFO’s seminar will provide delegates with one of the very first opportunities to gain a deep understanding of the implications for them and their company car drivers.
“Given the unprecedented volume of change and uncertainty continuing to engulf fleets, it is a seminar that fleet decision-makers cannot afford to miss.
“Delegates will, we hope, leave the event fully briefed on all issues and with the facts, so they can implement changes to policies and procedures.”
Other speakers will include Tim Anderson, senior transport manager for the Energy Saving Trust, to talk about air pollution and Clean Air Zones; and Jay Parmer, director of policy and membership for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, who will discuss Brexit.
A representative of Cap HPI will talk about WLTP, and there will also be a talk from Paul Hollick, chairman of fleet training organisation ICFM.
Places at the seminar can be booked through ACFO’s website or by emailing Fiona Spencer at info@acfo.org.