From 1 April 2022, restrictions on the use of rebated diesel (known as red diesel) and rebated biofuels will come into force. These restrictions have been introduced are part of the Government’s commitment to reduce environmental CO2.
In most cases, Riding Establishment that use Red Diesel will no longer be able to do so, unless there is a ‘qualifying purpose. This includes:
- Agricultural vehicles (mainly tractors) and machinery used in agriculture. Maintaining grazing fields may be considered agriculture, but to confirm this, the following questions should be considered:
- Are the horses fed? – If the horses are being fed by alternative feed and any grazing is secondary, the use of the land is unlikely to be considered agricultural.
- Use of the field – where the horses are being exercised and ridden in the field, the use of the land will not be considered agricultural.
- Structures on the land – any structures related to the horses’ welfare or training, such as jumps, horse exercises or a schooling surface, will point towards the horses being kept there for leisure rather than agricultural purposes.
- Heating and electricity generation in non-commercial premises – this includes the heating of homes and buildings where there is on-site accommodation.
The full regulations can be found on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-rebated-fuels-entitlement-from-1-april-2022/check-when-rebated-fuel-can-be-used