New analysis by the Countryside Alliance has found that working people across Britain are set to be hit by a new stealth tax buried deep in the Budget.
The new rule set to be introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will classify double-cab pickups - often used by gamekeepers, builders, electricians and farmers - as company cars for tax purposes.
This change, effective April 2025, could increase the tax burden on a typical double-cab pickup by as much as 211 per cent.
This is because, for the purposes of capital allowances, benefits in kind (BIK) and some deductions from business profits, these vehicles will no longer be treated as essential tools of the trade.
Alliance research finds that a typical Nissan Navara Tekna, priced at £33,265 and emitting 167g/km of CO2, will see its BIK rise from £3,960 to £12,308.
And the BIK on private fuel benefits will also soar from £757 to £10,286, leading to even higher costs for workers.
But they argue it is self-employed tradespeople who will face the biggest blow, as they can only deduct 6 per cent of their vehicle's cost in the first year, slashing potential tax savings from over £9,600 to just £578.84.
In a statement, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance Tim Bonner said:
“Rachel Reeves' pickup truck tax will hammer thousands of working people in the countryside and beyond.
“From farmers and gamekeepers to plumbers and builders the twin cab pickup has become the country's favourite workhorse.”
"The decision to reclassify them as cars will hit working people hard.”
Coverage of the Countryside Alliance's findings can also be found via The Sun and Mail Online