Stealth tax bombshell set to hit Britain's tradespeople

New tax rule to classify double-cab pickups as company cars

Britain's builders, electricians, and farmers are bracing themselves for a significant blow as a new rule buried in the Budget will soon classify double-cab pickups as company cars for tax purposes. Effective April 2025, this change could lead to a staggering 211 per cent increase in the tax burden on these essential work vehicles, according to analysis by the Countryside Alliance.

Impact on workers and self-employed tradespeople

The reclassification of double-cab pickups will have a direct impact on workers who rely on these vehicles for their livelihood. For example, a typical Nissan Navara Tekna could see its tax burden rise from £3,960 to £12,308 for benefits in kind (BIK) and from £757 to £10,286 for private fuel benefits. Self-employed tradespeople, in particular, will face a significant hit as their potential tax savings could plummet from over £9,600 to just £578.84 due to the new rules.

Criticism and backlash

The Countryside Alliance and Tory spokespersons have criticized the decision, labeling it as a harsh blow to working people in the countryside and beyond. Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, Tim Bonner, expressed concerns about the impact on farmers, gamekeepers, plumbers, and builders who heavily rely on double-cab pickups for their work. A Treasury spokesperson defended the move, highlighting tax savings on single cab pickups and frozen fuel duty for van drivers.