G’ment: No scrap word
September 21st, 2009 by Richard Aucock
BUSINESS minister Ian Lucas today spoke, to say Government is doing ‘all it can to support the car industry’…
… but he made NO mention of any extension to the scrappage scheme.
Meaning a funds boost is unlikely?
In the inconclusive statement, Lucas referred to the current £300m scrappage scheme, admitting that ‘I have heard direct from the industry that it has benefitted enormously from the scheme.’
What next, though? Well, while Lucas said ‘our assistance does not stop there,’ there was no news of any extension to the scheme. Indeed, the minister revealed ‘it’s not just about what we can do in the short term.’
He said that, in addition to the current scrappage scheme, Government is instead focusing on future green cars.
This detailed the only direct cash pledge; ‘We are helping the car industry to take advantage of the opportunities that moving to low carbon present.
‘We have already set aside £250 million for consumer incentives and infrastructure and we will continue to support low carbon car development.’
So, unless any future scrappage scheme centres solely on green models – as was proposed initially for the scheme – the suggestion is that once funds are exhausted, there will be no top-up.
What’s your take on this? Are the Government’s hinted intentions good or bad? We’re keen to get your views…
Mercedes MD: Extend scrap, make fairer
Tough times ahead mean scrappage vital
Scrappage: Mandy meets dealers
Tags: government, new car scrap, scrappage