Fuel price action
One of the major issues for the Federation this year will be to try and find measures for reducing the impact of high fuel prices.
The signs are that the UK Government will not be providing short-term financial assistance of the type that the Spanish and French governments are currently providing for their fishermen (which may in any case be illegal and which is currently under investigation).
However, as an alternative the UK Government has indicated that it is willing to give support to some kind of decommissioning scheme and also to facilitate FIFG money to help the industry adapt to operations with a lower fuel dependency, which could include measures such as re-engining and the use of lighter gear.
The Government is clearly not addressing the issue of inequality of treatment compared with other member states, but nevertheless the Federation will be working with ministers and other relevant bodies to ensure that as many practicable support measures as possible are introduced to aid fleet viability. |
|
