Consultation on Local Transport Plan 5 for Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire Council is currently consulting on its new Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5). This outlines their vision, objectives and policies for transport to 2045. The LTP5 will be used to guide all future work on transport, including strategy development, bidding and scheme development. The LTP5 is supported by supporting strategies which provide more detail about specific topics, including freight and logistics.

Buckinghamshire Business First is planning to submit a response on behalf of our members, but we would encourage local businesses to submit their own response on topics of interest.

Respond to the consultation here.

The consultation closes on 30th March.

Consultation on customs duty relief on low value imports

HM Treasury has launched a consultation after the announcement of the removal of the £135 customs duty relief for low-value imports.

Currently, low value imports (LVIs) – goods with a value of £135 or less being imported into the UK – can claim a customs duty relief. VAT is due on these goods following reforms in 2021. Following a significant increase in LVI volumes over recent years, the government has reviewed the existing customs arrangements for LVIs and concluded that these require reform. At Autumn Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced the removal of the relief from March 2029 at the latest.

This consultation covers the design of the new arrangements, including what data to collect, how the tariff should be applied, whether to apply an additional fee on LVIs to fund administration, and potential changes to VAT collection to reflect the new arrangements.

Respond to the consultation here.

Responses to the consultation will close on 6th March 2026.

Looking for research and analysis on Buckinghamshire's economy?

Visit our dedicated Reports and Analysis webpages for the latest insights on the Buckinghamshire economy and workforce, and the effect of policy decisions on our local business community.

Buckinghamshire Business First is the primary source of insights from the business coalface. This intelligence is used to ensure strategies and policies are based on robust evidence and to ensure government at all levels is aware of the economic issues facing Buckinghamshire’s communities.