Four Priorities for New Government
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) looks forward to working constructively with the new Government on four key priority areas for the independent garage sector.
1. Increasing the MOT fee – which has remained static for 16 years despite rising inflation and other cost pressures
The MOT test is one of the cornerstones of the UK’s road safety successes and has helped ensure that the UK has some of the safest roads across both Europe and the rest of the world.
The current MOT fee for a standard motor vehicle, however, has remained unchanged at £54.85 since 2010. This is despite significant cost increases to garages during this period that are over and above inflation including, but not limited to labour, rent, machinery and equipment, fuel, energy, compliance and administration.
Without a significant update to the current MOT fee, we risk garages having to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and therefore reducing the national capacity. This risks consumer choice with regards to accessibility, locality and convenience of available MOT test stations – and most importantly road safety.
2. Reducing the burden on businesses – particularly for SMEs
Successive governments have recognised that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UK economy and are central to driving economic growth. However, many SMEs are finding it increasingly difficult to operate under the challenges of both increased taxation along with a more costly and burdensome employment regime.
Independent garages continue to face rising operating costs, including higher business rates, increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the additional administrative requirements associated with employment legislation. Together with ongoing inflationary pressures, these factors reduce the capacity of businesses to invest, recruit and contribute to the wider economic growth that brings prosperity to our towns and cities.
Many independent garages are small, often family-run, businesses who create local employment opportunities, support apprenticeships and provide vital vehicle safety tests, maintenance and repair services to local customers. Independent garages quite literally help to keep the country moving and ensure that our roads are safer places whilst supporting the local and national economy.
3. Addressing the skills gap and increasing employment opportunities for young people
Addressing the UK’s skills shortage must remain a national priority – with more than one million 16-to-24-year-olds currently not in education, employment or training. The IGA welcomes measures that encourage SMEs to recruit and train apprentices, including financial incentives for businesses taking on young apprentices. This will enable independent garages to invest in the next generation of technicians, creating high-quality local employment opportunities while strengthening the UK’s skilled workforce.
The new Prime Minister has spoken of the importance of re-industrialisation and rebuilding Britain’s industrial capability. Achieving this ambition will require not only the capacity to manufacture, but also the skilled workforce needed to maintain, repair and service the vehicles and technologies on which businesses and consumers depend. Addressing the skills gap will be critical to the Government’s net zero ambitions, and particularly the transition to electric vehicles.
While much of the public debate around the transition to electric vehicles has focused on consumer confidence and range anxiety created by a lack of charging infrastructure and capacity, equal attention must be given to ensuring the aftermarket has the expertise and capability to support electric vehicles throughout their lifetime. Supporting skills development across the independent garage sector will help safeguard consumer choice, maintain high standards of vehicle safety and ensure motorists continue to have access to trusted, local repair and maintenance services.
4. Providing greater certainty on the transition to zero-emission vehicles
The transition to zero-emission vehicles is one of the most significant changes the automotive sector has ever faced. Achieving the UK’s environmental ambitions will require long-term policy certainty that gives businesses and consumers the confidence to plan and invest.
The independent garage sector is committed to supporting the transition, investing in new equipment, technician training and the capabilities needed to service and repair the next generation of vehicles.
The IGA encourages the Government to provide a greater clarity around the transition to zero-emission vehicles, giving businesses the confidence to invest which will ensure the UK has the skilled workforce and repair network needed to support the vehicle fleet of tomorrow while maintaining consumer choice.
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Contact information:
Andrew Richmond
Communications and Marketing Manager
Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 323
Email: andy.richmond@rmif.co.uk
Web: independentgarageassociation.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
About the Independent Garage Association (IGA):
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade association representing independent garages in the UK. The IGA supports its members by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success and sustainability of independent garages nationwide.
