Pensioners say Labour is 'attacking' them over new car tax rules for older drivers
It was recently announced that there will be major updates to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates, set to kick in from April.
This will see drivers over the age of 70 having to deal with significant changes to their car tax.
The standard VED fees are due to rise following Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation every Spring, jumping to £195 annually from 1 April. Those who own petrol and and diesel vehicles, particularly those with models produced before 2001, will be hit harder by these increases.
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Another crucial shift comes in 2025, with changes to first-year VED rates and the introduction of charges for electric vehicles.
The changes will be apparent when road users come to renew their car tax policies from April. It will means that cash-strapped older motorists will face added pressure as they will no longer be exempt based on age alone.
Only elderly drivers with a recognised disability may be exempt, but healthy pensioners will still have to pay.
The news hasn't gone down well with many pensioners who have gone online to claim that the Labour government is "attacking" them.
One person fumed online: "Another attack on pensioners by Labour. Taxing the greener cars people have been encouraged to buy. Where is the incentive for consumers to buy these super expensive electric cars?"
Someone else agreed it was an "attack" on the elderly, while a third said: "They pick on pensioners because we can’t strike."
A fourth chimed in: "What's the point, they're trying to stop the pensioners driving at 70 so this is another load of cr*p and the next thing they're going to tax is the air that we breath because it's the only thing thats not taxed yet."
The news comes after pensioners recently had their winter fuel payments removed. Older people are also currently campaigning for free TV licences from the government as well as free bus travel for over-60s. Only people who are of pension age get free bus travel at the moment in the UK outside of London.
The new VED rules will see first-time owners of the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles (ones emitting over 255g/km of CO2) face a significant increase in costs. Their bills will rise from £2,745 to £5,490 per year.
Meanwhile, those with electric cars will pay £10 in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in their first year on the roads but will move to the standard rate after this. It's also been confirmed that the £10 annual discount for hybrid models will be removed.
Older vehicles that are registered between 1985 and 2001 will see costs rise under a different set of rules. Cars emitting above 1549cc will pay £360 per year to use the roads, an increase of £15 from the last financial year. Meanwhile, models emitting below 1549cc will see charges increase from £210 to £220 –an extra £10.
The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.