Britons Reject "Green" Taxes

UK: July 26, 2007

LONDON - Half of British consumers are not prepared to pay more tax to help the environment, according to a poll.

Despite many being prepared to adopt a more "green" lifestyle, 50 percent are not willing to pay more to help combat environmental issues, believing they already shell out too much tax, according to the survey by Unbiased.co.uk.

The Web site, which promotes the benefits of independent financial advice, found that just 23 percent of people are prepared to pay more car tax to reduce carbon fumes from motor vehicles.

And only a fifth of air travellers are happy to pay "green taxes" on flights.

Seven percent of the 2,610 people polled by YouGov say they do not care about green issues at all.

David Elms, chief executive of Unbiased.co.uk, said: "Tackling green issues is probably high on most consumers' wish lists, yet in reality many are not prepared to reach into their pockets to help contribute to the cause -- mainly because they believe they are paying too much tax already."

He added that many people are, ironically, paying too much tax due to a lack of understanding.

"No one likes paying taxes: this is evident, with two thirds of us saying we resent rising taxes," said Elms.

"(But) there are a number of simple steps people can take to reduce the amount the Chancellor takes from them.

"Time spent filling in a form, or making a will, or ensuring savings are protected by an ISA, take relatively little time, but will probably be some of the most effective time you will spend this year.

"Plus the money you save by reducing your tax wastage could then allow you to be 'greener.'"

Story by Jennifer Hill

REUTERS NEWS SERVICE