To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the policy paper by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Charging arrangements at government-run Border Control Posts - Consultation, published on 12 June, what assessment they have made of the impact of the introduction of the Common User Charge on UK businesses; and what steps they are taking to support those businesses.
Answered on
29 June 2023
Defra is committed to designing and delivering a charging policy which keeps costs down and minimises impact across all businesses. We are confident that the Common User Charge is the fairest and most pragmatic approach, as it spreads the burden across a wider user base and enables us to achieve the lowest possible rates while ensuring robust biosecurity at our border. Through the consultation, we are seeking feedback on the model and impacts of the proposals on businesses of all sizes and operating models. We are aware that businesses face a range of global pressures, and we will consider implementation of these charges in light of broader economic conditions and feedback from the consultation.