In a moment of light relief in an 85-minute Budget speech, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said ‘we are increasing rate of APD by 50% for private jets – equivalent to £450 for a private jet to California’. Sitting opposite, the former PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak took it on the chin with a wry smile.

The government said private jets were ‘relatively undertaxed’ with the charges falling behind inflation in recent years.

The higher rates for private jets will kick in from 1 April 2026, while regular APD will increase in line with inflation.