Vehicles used for work purposes are at the centre of a growing controversy as the UK government faces mounting pressure to reverse tax changes set to take effect in April 2025. The reclassification of double cab pickup trucks as cars for taxation purposes could see some business owners and workers facing an annual tax increase of up to \u00a38,880, sparking outcry from affected industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A public petition<\/strong>, already signed by thousands, urges Chancellor Rachel Reeves<\/strong> to overturn the change, warning it will financially burden businesses, farmers, and tradespeople who rely on these vehicles for work. Critics argue that double cab pickups<\/strong> have long been classified as commercial vehicles<\/strong> due to their utility, and the reclassification ignores their essential role in rural and trade sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to GB News<\/strong>, from April 2025<\/strong>, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC<\/a>) will reclassify double cab pickup trucks<\/strong> as cars rather than light commercial vehicles. This means businesses will lose access to favourable tax treatments<\/strong>, including full expensing<\/strong> and the 100% Annual Investment Allowance<\/strong> for new purchases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Campaigners argue the change fails to recognise<\/strong> the necessity of these vehicles <\/a>in industries such as agriculture, construction, and rural services<\/strong>. A petition<\/strong> launched to challenge the decision states: “We think this change will harm many businesses, farmers, tradespeople, and individuals relying on double cab pickups for work, making work vehicles costly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tax revision represents a major departure from HMRC\u2019s previous stance<\/strong>, which treated double cab pickups with a payload of over one tonne as commercial vehicles. Now, only single cab pickups<\/strong> are expected to maintain their commercial status<\/strong>, though official confirmation is still pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the government has introduced a transitional arrangement<\/strong>, allowing businesses <\/a>that purchase or lease double cab pickups before April 2025<\/strong> to keep the current tax benefits until April 2029<\/strong>, critics argue this does little to help new buyers after the deadline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n