Red diesel 60/40?

[Greenheart]

Not strictly relevant, but interesting...

I can't recall if any conclusion followed the suggestion, earlier this year, that if one had no diesel auxilliary, but instead ran a diesel generator and a huge battery bank on board, one could legitimately run an electric propulsion motor, whilst legally paying the reduced rate for the fuel that recharges the batteries. How could HMRC analyse the use of a 2000 amp-hour domestic supply, to ascertain how much diesel was burnt for propulsion?

Granted, an electric auxilliary may come with its own gainsayers......one or two thoughts here:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268793&highlight=sick+of+your+old+diesel?

...but once the recharging of the batteries is accounted for, this could be a neat way to cut your fuel duty. Which you'd need to do, having shelled out £10K on batteries, generators, motors...

 

[PeterGibbs]

What s the crack with this then?
I was shocked today visiting a marina to see that red is £120 L
only slightly less than road fuel
Is that how much fuel is for boats nowadays?...shocking!

Diesel in Calais marina this week - E1.35 / lit, fully taxed. Admittedly more elsewhere on the continent - E1.56 or 1.45 in Nieupoort (two alongside sources) It is immediately apparent that UK prices, with the 60.40 concession, are not what you would expect.

This summer I had no challenge to my fuel stock (as was the case last year) whilst abroad, but suspect the clouds are gethering over the long term viability of our 60.40 UK concession. Enjoy whilst you may, I say...

PWG

 

[VicMallows]

I has always seemed to me that the 60/40 thing was contrived so as to make the actual amount we now pay at marine outlets almost identical to road prices. That way no incentive to cart road diesel to the boat (pollution etc) or the other way (to put in the car). An unusually sensible compromise.

 

[Stoaty]

I have a friend who is new to narrow boating. Last week for the first time, he called the pump out boat to empty his holding tank. The pump out boat duly arrived, started pumping and the owner asked my mate if he wanted any diesel. the conversation went like this.

"How much?"
"80p a litre."
"is that with tax"
" No. No tax needed. If I come to you it's clearly not for propulsion. If you come to me then it's the 60/40 business."
" Oh! fill me up then"

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I don't think it's a TS issue - their stance would be that the retailer is free to set his T&Cs of trading.

However, it is an issue for HMRC as it is a clear breach of the scheme. If enough noise is made the RDCO could lose his licence. DON'T expect HMRC to take any action as the whole scheme is a pain for them anyway.

YOU MIGHT get some results if you complain to to the BMF as most (?) boatyards / marinas are members.

Trading Standards make surprise visits to see how the prices are being displayed, and signage about the additional duty. Whilst they are there to protect the consumer, one would hope they would advise HMRC of any indiscretions - we have Joined Up government, after all!

The BMF are not resourced to take up individual cases, and are dealing with a number of other priorities nowadays.