Association has challenged controversial new tax on dredged sediment
Association has challenged controversial new tax on dredged sediment
As the national trade and membership body for ports across the board in the UK, the British Ports Association (BPA) is perfectly placed to take on a central Supporter role at the 25th Coastlink Conference, being held next year in Rotterdam, 14-15 April.
The obvious overlap between Coastlink 2027 – whose participants will include ports and port operators, short sea shipping lines and shippers, intermodal and terminal operators, and cargo handlers and freight forwarders across Europe – and the BPA – representing over 400 port facilities and terminals across the UK which handle over 86% of the country’s seaborne trade – clearly requires a connection.
An inclusive association committed to the fair treatment of ports across the UK, the BPA represents its members’ interests, irrespective of ownership or size. It also has a strong network of Associate Members, which is available to terminal operators and industry related organisations.
A recent example of its commitment came back in January when it warned the Government that an incoming tax rise around the decontamination of ports, rivers and canals would have “grave consequences for investment” and add tens of millions of pounds to major projects, making them impossible to fund.
The cost stems from Treasury plans to remove a landfill tax exemption on dredged sediment that has been treated for contamination, meaning it will now be taxed at standard landfill rates. It will come into effect on 1 April 2027, just in time for discussion at the Coastlink Conference.
BPA Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne said: “This change to landfill tax … seriously undermines the Government’s growth plans. Major port and waterways projects are planned, but they will have to be delayed, scrapped or reviewed because of the additional financial burden.”
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