The NFDA has called for “continued strong and open trade with the EU” in a letter to HM Treasury ahead of the 2017 Spring Budget.

Fair and proportionate business taxation and a cut in fuel duty were also contained in a wish list handed to the government department ahead of the Budget announcements on March 8th.

Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, said: “Continued strong and open trade with the EU was a focal point included in the NFDA’s letter sent to the HM Treasury in advance of Budget 2017.”

Among the economic and business policy concerns which the NFDA’s correspondence included, were:

•             Open trade with the EU: the NFDA wants to see the UK retain as many benefits of single market membership as possible.

•             Fair and proportionate business taxation: there must be a period of certainty in business taxation to allow long term business planning.

•             Consistency on fuel policy in particular with regard to diesel vehicles.

•             A fuel duty cut or an extension of the freeze.

•             An industrial strategy that addresses the condition of UK roads including potholes, general road maintenance and social mobility.

•             An industrial strategy that supports automotive research, development and looks at the UK’s lack of road connectivity.

•             Continued access to business and consumer finance.

Robinson said: “It is vital that the Government engages with the retail side of the automotive industry and that well targeted measures are put in place to support businesses and sustain their growth.

“The NFDA hopes that these issues will be taken into consideration in next month’s budget.”