Anglo Scottish aids compliance in new CAZs
Anglo Scottish Asset Finance MD David Foster
UK finance broker Anglo Scottish Asset Finance Ltd has been appointed by Sheffield, Newcastle and Gateshead Councils to deliver financial assistance schemes in support of businesses affected by the introduction of two new clean air zones (CAZs).
As of 27 February 2023, non-compliant HGVs, vans, buses, coaches and taxis are being charged to enter the Sheffield CAZ; while on Tyneside, a similar scheme entered force in Newcastle and Gateshead on 30 January.
The schemes have been created in response to legal directions by the UK government to take action to reduce illegal levels of traffic-related pollution in the areas.
In Sheffield, the financial support will be available in the form of a grant, an interest subsidised loan or a mix of the two; details of the financial support packages are available on the Sheffield City Council CAZ website.
A grant is also available to help Newcastle and Gateshead operators reduce costs. The initiative is funded by the Government’s Clean Air Fund, to help businesses to upgrade non-compliant vehicles, as well as to educate businesses and individuals on how to switch to more sustainable forms of transportation.
Interested parties can check eligibility by visiting Newcastle and Gateshead councils’ dedicated Breathe Clean Air website.
The scheme will aid in all three councils’ goals to meet government targets in the shortest possible time.
Non-compliant, pre-Euro VI HGVs could face daily charges of up to £50 per day, per vehicle, in both the Sheffield and Newcastle / Gateshead CAZs.
The replacement of HGVs is included in the financial support packages for both zones, with a grant available of up to £16,000 based on 35 per cent of the net upgrade cost, and any unused grant can be carried over to a finance subsidy depending on the interest cost.
Established in 2007, Anglo Scottish is an independent finance broker, providing a range of financial services across the UK including asset finance, business loans, as well as personal vehicle solutions, and vehicle sourcing.
Anglo Scottish has previously worked with Bath & North East Somerset and Bristol Council to develop their own financial assistance schemes, and has helped over 400 businesses to replace non-compliant vehicles and avoid daily charges to enter the respective city centres.
Businesses can benefit from Anglo Scottish’s clean air zone services which include grant application assistance towards the acquisition of new compliant vehicles, retrospective grant applications for vehicles already purchased, financing to spread the cost, and vehicle sales/part exchange facility to source and replace their existing vehicles.
David Foster, managing director at Anglo Scottish, said the company was thrilled to be working with the councils to support businesses in becoming clean air compliant.
“The Anglo Scottish team has tried and tested experience helping businesses achieve clean air compliance,” he said.
“Our expertise enables us to support all affected businesses with our ‘one-stop-shop’ solution of grant assistance, cost-effective finance, and vehicle sourcing to reduce the pressures on businesses.”
Kate Martin, executive director of City Futures at Sheffield City Council, said: “We want to encourage everyone to check their eligibility online and apply for or the financial support on offer.
“As part of the financial support process, both individuals and businesses can get invaluable guidance and direction from Anglo in applying for grants, seeking the best vehicles to upgrade to or getting advice on part exchange options.”
A spokesperson for Newcastle and Gateshead councils said: “Poor air quality has a serious impact on people’s health and one of the ways in which we are seeking to address this is by introducing a CAZ.
“This will help to reduce harmful emissions by encouraging individuals and businesses to upgrade and replace older, higher polluting vehicles – with financial assistance available to help towards the cost of doing so.
“We’re pleased to be working with Anglo Scottish to deliver these funds to local businesses.”
Those impacted by the Sheffield CAZ can contact Sheffield City Council for an initial eligibility assessment. Once a Basic Eligibility Letter is issued, businesses can use this to apply for financial support with Anglo Scottish Asset Finance.
Operators affected by the Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ can contact Anglo Scottish for information about the financial assistance and vehicle sourcing options available.
