Commenting on yesterday’s announcements (full summary here), Matt Dyer, managing director of LeasePlan UK, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, and the predicted increase in the UK’s growth forecast to 2.4% is especially positive news. The fact that the UK, alongside the US, is now the fastest-growing economy since 2010 will be hugely encouraging for UK businesses.

“Separately, it is also satisfying to see the Government’s continued commitment to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in the UK, whilst news that the Government is to embark on the largest road investment programme in a generation is hugely encouraging for drivers right across the UK.

“The Road Investment Strategy, which is set to resurface 80% of the UK’s roads, will be especially pleasing for UK businesses, whose drivers have suffered from poor road infrastructure, congestion and pitted surfaces for decades. These roads are vital arteries for businesses, and it is reassuring that the Government now views this as a priority.

“However, news that the 3% diesel surcharge removal has been deferred from 2016 to 2021 will put a renewed financial pressure on company car drivers and indeed for the broader motoring industry."