The issues facing small business fleets are much the same as those faced by large business fleets, says ACFO’s Julie Jenner. There are three broad areas of business car management that businesses will need to address this year:
- tax;
- the environment; and
- road safety and duty of care.
Tax and the environment are two issues closely bound together.
The government has led the world in putting CO2 factors into almost every aspect of company car taxation.
It’s the basis for benefit-in-kind tax on company car drivers; for graduated VED; and we know that HM Revenue & Customs is still looking closely at how to introduce CO2 into corporation tax relief. The big news, though, is the welcome new 10% tax band in April. Company cars with CO2 emissions of 120g/km or less will qualify for this new 10% band.
Fuel-efficient cars mean low-tax cars. So with fuel costs rising, and greater pressure on budgets, small business fleets need to ensure they have some form of fuel monitoring and control.
There is no justification for complaining about high fuel costs if you have no idea how much is being wasted. Part of that control should be the introduction of low-emission and more fuel-efficient cars.
Managing on-road risk
Conforming to work-related road safety regulations has been prominent on most big fleets agendas for a few years. Small businesses now need to catch up.
They must understand the fleet-specific implications of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. And take some action.
ACFO has been promoting good practice in managing on-road risk for many years and has provided members with a range of tools. However, the ‘prison or else…’ scare-mongering tactics of some risk management companies and driver training outfits is to be condemned.
With all of these external factors creating continued pressure for fleet operators, ACFO is confident about membership growth.
The key benefit of membership is the local meetings. Members can network and discuss and share best practice. While all members can benefit from the free exchange of ideas, there is no doubt that smaller fleets can get most out of the discussions.
Further information
- ACFO is a non-profit making organisation. It represents the interests of businesses which operate cars and vans as part of their normal commercial activities.
- For more about ACFO, visit www.ACFO.org
