Public opposed to green tax hikes

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And the majority would not change their behaviour even if green tax levels were raised, the survey from chartered accountants MacIntyre Hudson showed.

As many as 78% were concerned about the environmental damage caused by carbon emissions, while 70% reckoned taxing environmentally harmful behaviour would encourage people to be greener.

But there was large opposition to any increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) airport departure tax or to rises in fuel duty or on VAT on domestic fuel.

More than three in five opposed any APD increase, while 69% were against a rise in fuel duty and 86% opposed any increase on VAT on domestic fuel.

Even a £40 rise in APD would only convince 15% to make a significant reduction in the number of flights they took.

And 57% of people would drive as much even if petrol went up by as much as 40p a litre.

Nigel May, principal at MacIntyre Hudson, said: "It appears that the many politicians jumping on the green taxation' bandwagon may be barking up the wrong tree.

"Although the principle of green taxation is widely accepted, when people are questioned about specific taxes, that support rapidly falls away. Unless taxes are levied at a penal level, people are unwilling to let taxation change their lifestyles.

"While taxes will undoubtedly act as an adequate revenue raiser to replace inheritance tax, as in the latest Tory plans, the belief that green taxes are a way to reduce the country's carbon emissions is sadly misplaced."