PROFESSIONAL services firm Andersen has given its backing to the Government's controversial proposals to base fuel scale charges on carbon dioxide emissions from 2003.

Official consultation on the plans was launched last year, amid warnings it could force employers into damaging policy delays that could cost them and their drivers thousands.

But Andersen said it felt linking free fuel benefit taxes directly to CO2 emissions was the best proposal, as it would be easier for employers to implement and for employees to understand.

Anthony Mehigan, human capital partner at Andersen, said: 'The Government's intention is to not only reward drivers with environmentally-friendly cars, but to punish drivers with gas guzzling vehicles.'

In this year's Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown is expected to continue a five-year plan of annual increases in tax on the perk of 20% plus inflation, wiping out the benefit for many drivers. The deadline for comment on the consultation document, which can be found at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk, is February 8.