Following our last update, which you can read here, we wanted to share a further update on our recent communication with Government about the issues relating to the upcoming change in red diesel legislation and how it will negatively affect many within our community.
What the GMA is doing
The GMA has continued existing conversations with a Cabinet MP who has written to the Treasury about the issues with the legislation, suggesting that grounds management should be considered horticulture and be exempt. The GMA will continue to seek clarification on the matter, but response from the Treasury has been slow, likely due to the situation in Ukraine and subsequent problems caused by this.
The GMA is also in communication with our partners, who are communicating with their existing contacts with relevant departments in Parliament, including all-parliamentary groups and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The GMA and the grounds management sector has the support of our partners, all of which are engaging their relevant contacts in Government about the issue.
Whilst the GMA, and our partners, continue to push Government on red diesel legislation, we encourage anyone who will be affected by the change in legislation to please get in touch with us at admin@thegma.org.uk and share your experiences on how the change in legislation will impact:
- Your current red diesel consumption and costs
- The operational and financial capacity of your ability to shift to alternatives to red diesel
- Your capacity to pass through costs down the supply chain
- Your ability to absorb extra costs
- Your ability to continue your work and what the negative effects of not being able to do so might be ie. to local sports pitches, clubs’ abilities to continue, etc.
Your stories will help us and our partners to highlight the impact that the upcoming change in legislation will have on both professional and community sport.
Where to find guidance on red diesel legislation
We understand that many within the sector have concerns, but whilst we continue to advocate for a change in legislation, we want to signpost you towards some of the available resources to help you better understand what you can and can’t do under the current proposed legislation.
To see an overview of the upcoming reform of red diesel and other rebated fuels entitlement, you can visit the Government’s page on the legislation here.
The Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Scheme allows local amateur sports clubs to register with HMRC and benefit from a range of tax reliefs, including Gift Aid, where they meet the qualifying conditions. Find out more about the scheme, including how to apply for CASC status here.
The definitions that HMRC applies to agriculture, horticulture and forestry can be found here.
For an overview of the upcoming change in legislation, please see BALI’s guide here.
Standard Petrol is Changing to E10: Almost 95 per cent of petrol-powered road vehicles can use the new E10 petrol to help cut carbon emissions. Use the online vehicle checker to see if your vehicle is compatible by clicking here.