The Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), Andrew Large, has written to the Chancellor outlining some key recommendations for the forthcoming Budget scheduled for 29 October. He highlighted that making paper is energy intensive, and notwithstanding huge improvements in efficiency and some support from Government, quickly increasing energy prices and a number of other policies are an anchor on sector growth.
Commenting on the approach, Large said, “Our submission is focused on the damaging effect of current UK energy taxation and other Government policies. With the right support and regulatory framework, the paper sector can make a huge contribution to rebalancing the economy.” In particular, CPI made the following suggestions:
- The proposed increase of CCL taxation for gas should be scrapped.
- The Carbon Price Floor has achieved its target to phase out coal from the UK power network and so it should be cancelled.
- Industrial generation should be helped through a meaningful support policy for Combined Heat & Power Plant.
- Energy Efficiency should be a priority for Government with direct support to industry to help deliver.
- The Apprentice Levy should be restructured to better support both industry and trainees.
- Any tax on single use plastics should not be extended to cover laminated products as industry initiatives are already increasing recycling rates.
