Shabana has written to the Government calling for the introduction of a car scrappage scheme.

In her letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP, Shabana highlights the potential benefits of a scrappage scheme.

Previous schemes have boosted the automotive industry and accelerated the transition to greener vehicles.

In light of plans for the Clean Air Zone, Shabana urges the Secretary of State to work with partners in the automotive sector and Birmingham City Council to investigate the possibility of a national vehicle scrappage scheme.

You can read her letter in full below.

Letter to the Secretary of State

Dear Secretary of State

I am writing regarding proposals for a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham further to a meeting held on 10 August 2020 with Birmingham City Councils and representatives from Defra.

In June, I wrote to George Eustice MP, Secretary of State at Defra, in support of delaying the Clean Air Zone. In my letter I outlined my support in principle for the CAZ since its inception, but challenged it as economically viable proposition for our city and its people at this time of global pandemic.

I have always believed that the Government could go further with its support package. I was clear that the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Birmingham would need further support in advance of the rollout, and asked the Department to pause to reflect on this policy in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With news that a revised launch date for the CAZ could be announced within weeks, there is a pressing need to secure additional measures to support a smooth transition to the CAZ, and stimulate activity that would make existing business vehicle fleets and private vehicles compliant with the CAZ.

A scrappage scheme for non-compliant vehicles registered in, or in the immediate vicinity, of the CAZ would be the quickest way to move those currently using exemptions and mitigations into compliant vehicles. A national vehicle scrappage scheme would help Birmingham City Council meet its obligations on air quality sooner than planned, and ensure those bearing the brunt of a looming recession aren’t hit by new charges to travel around our city.

Historically, car scrappage schemes have been proven to change consumer behaviour and stimulate the economy. A partnership between the UK Government and the automotive industry, similar to the scrappage scheme introduced in 2009 following the financial crisis, would encourage people into cleaner, modern cars, and secure jobs in the automotive supply chain.

I urge you work with partners in the automotive sector and Birmingham City Council to investigate the possibility of a car scrappage scheme, and to ensure the eventual implementation of the CAZ is a success.

Yours sincerely,

Shabana Mahmood MP
Birmingham Ladywood