The Northern Ireland Executive should be asking, “for powers to cut short haul Air Passenger Duty (APD) and signalling that it would use those powers if they were awarded”, after a thorough cost benefit analysis of lowering the tax, according to NI Conservatives’ economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews.
“This issue is particularly urgent, after the Republic’s government elected to get rid of this tax altogether south of the border, as part of yesterday’s budget”, he explained. “The Conservative led government has already shown that it is prepared to act on this problem, when it devolved the powers to lower long haul APD to the Northern Ireland Assembly.”
“The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which contains 5 Conservative MPs, called for short haul duties to be devolved as well. What is needed is a clear signal from the Executive that it wants these powers and that it wants to cut this tax, which is holding back aviation in Northern Ireland and acting to the detriment of our economy.”
“It is estimated that losing out on airport passengers to Dublin cost Northern Ireland 500 jobs in 2012. The Republic’s latest move on APD is just going to make that problem worse. It is time for Stormont to act. NI Conservatives would like to see a cross party committee on aviation at the Assembly, working to attract new airlines and routes to Northern Ireland, a thorough cost benefit analysis on APD, followed by a clear indication from the executive that it wants to cut Air Passenger Duty and is asking for the powers to do so.”