Travel

Fuel duty

The planned increase in fuel duty of 3 pence per litre on 1 January 2012 has been deferred to 1 August 2012 while the original 5 pence planned increase in August 2012 has been scrapped.

Rail fares

The increase in rail fares each January, which is normally 3 per cent above the rate of inflation (RPI) is to be limited to one per cent - that still means a likely increase of about 6 per cent.

Air passenger duty (APD)

Increases to APD from 1 April 2012 and 1 April 2013 (business jets) are proceeding as previously announced.

On 1 November 2011 the APD was cut for passengers travelling on direct long-haul routes departing from airports in Northern Ireland. The direct long haul rates will fall to the prevailing band A rate of APD. To provide a lasting solution, the Government has launched a parallel process to devolve aspects of APD to the Northern Ireland Assembly.