Call For Coal Tax Exemptions

Tax exemptions should be introduced for coal from restored mines in the Kingdom.

Low coal prices have lead to uncertainty and job insecurity for the industry - Fife council say the coal price support tax would alleviate pressure and allow coal production to continue. But plans to introduce the tax have been pushed aside since the Conservatives took power. 

Fife Council Depute Leader Lesley Laird is calling on the introduction of Carbon Price Support Tax, to assist the industry. She has written again to Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change raising concerns. This is following an unsatisfactory response to the council’s earlier calls for the introduction of a Carbon Price Support Tax to be progressed.

Cllr Laird said: "The government says it is actively exploring options for addressing the environmental liabilities associated with unrestored opencast coal mines in Scotland. 

"But, I’m very concerned this matter is being kicked into the long grass and may not receive the attention it deserves. We’re actively supporting the Scottish Coal Task Force and other stakeholders in seeking to explore solutions for the restoration of opencast sites in Scotland. We believe that the proposed Coal Price Support Tax Exemption on coal from restoration sites offers a positive opportunity to address this issue."