Submissions invited for Parliamentary tax inquiry

An inquiry has been set up to examine how recent duty hikes have affected the UK wine market. The All Party Parliamentary Group will also consider the potential impact of further alcohol tax increases, which are due to escalate by 2% above inflation for the next four years.

Chaired by Andrew Dismore MP and Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP, the inquiry will look at evidence from producers, retailers, wholesalers and drinks industry experts. The group seeks to report on the combined effect duty increases, the recession and the weak sterling are having on the industry, which has already led to job cuts and falling wine sales.

According to figures from HM Revenue and Customs, the Treasury’s revenue from excise duty on alcohol is some way short of the amount forecast. Between April and September 2008, the Government missed revenue targets by £137 million. Under current plans, alcohol duty will have increased by up to 40% by 2012.

Business or individuals wishing to submit evidence to the inquiry should prepare this information in numbered paragraphs, headed by a bullet point summary, and accompanied by a covering letter containing their contact details.

Email submissions are preferred, though written submissions are also accepted, and must arrive by 24 February.

The address: Timothy Cork, Office of Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

For any further information, contact Sarah Davis at the WSTA.

Gabriel Savage, 18.02.09