Logistics UK urges Government to bring border strategy forward

Logistics UK manager of European & International Policy Sarah Laouadi says: “While we welcome the strategic objectives of the strategy, logistics operators need to see greater ambition in the timeframe of the government’s 2025 UK Border Strategy. The concepts of upstream compliance, e-documents and single window to avoid duplication of data submission are particularly important to support trade but our members want the proposed changes brought forward as soon as possible to minimise friction at the border. The quicker the changes are implemented, the sooner the UK can benefit from a joined-up approach – and we believe this must be before 2025.

“We are also calling on the UK government to refresh the strategy during 2021 to account for the changes that will take place following the end of the EU Exit transition period. UK  borders, particularly used for Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) traffic, will change dramatically as the EU Exit transition period comes to an end, and taking stock of how it changes will be crucial to refine the longer-term border strategy and ensure that trade continues to flow freely to and from the EU.

“Finally, we are also urging government to carry out a “red tape review” to minimise burdens on business. For example, removing the requirement to complete Intrastat declarations (a statistics database for EU members) after the transition period ends.

“We will be pressing government to ensure the strategy delivers the best outcome for logistics, consumers, and the wider UK economy alike.”

Covid-19 performance tracker launches

Business confidence across the logistics industry has plummeted since January 2020, according to the results of Logistics UK’s most recent Logistics Performance Tracker, although there are signs of recovery in some areas. To identify where support is needed most for businesses across the industry as coronavirus restrictions ease, Logistics UK has announced the creation of its Logistics Industry Panel. This Panel comprises a significant group of businesses of all sizes dedicated to providing feedback on their operations to help inform the organisation’s discussions with government.

Logistics UK director of policy Elizabeth de Jong says: “While the future shape of the economy and the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 is still unclear, it is critical that Logistics UK ensures government understands the effect of its policies and the support businesses require. Our Logistics Performance Tracker provides an evidence-based, quantitative insight into how logistics businesses continue to be affected by the pandemic and signposts where government support is most needed. The Panel provides a unique insight into the challenges faced by our industry.”

The results of the August survey reveal that, while the level of disruption across the industry has fallen significantly from May 2020, nearly 11% are still reporting severe or extreme disruption to overall freight volumes. To enable their company to continue or resume trading effectively, over a third of respondents state that an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to 2021 is needed, and around half would seek relief to business rates or VAT/NI/Corporation rate tax payments deferred.

Members of Logistics UK have been invited to join the Panel, where – in exchange for sharing valuable feedback on their operations – they will be part of an exclusive group given access to detailed survey report findings.

For more information, visit www.logistics.org.uk/lpt