Aftermarket sector-specific legislation is needed to ensure that energy-support packages and tax cuts mean something to businesses, allowing them to continue to offer affordable mobility to car owners.
That is the view of Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) chief executive Mark Field. He believes areas such as the current MOT frequency and motor vehicle block exemption regulations (MVBER) need to be maintained and strengthened by government to ensure continued success of the industry.
In a bid to boost the UK economy Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled a massive fiscal shake-up, scrapping the additional tax rate, cancelling the planned rise in corporation tax, and reversing the recently introduced rise in National Insurance. These measures come in alongside the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme which sets the wholesale cost of energy for businesses, including those across the automotive aftermarket.
Sector-specific legislation needed
Field is keen to see the aftermarket sector receive wider support and recognition in the legislative agenda, to ensure effective competition remains possible for the UK automotive aftermarket.
“Any plans to extend the current MOT test frequency or failure to uphold MVBER and update vehicle type approval regulations will render any business support packages worthless in the independent aftermarket,” he stated.
“In a post-Brexit era, our lobbying in support of aftermarket businesses has intensified and part of this is to remind government that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector was allowed to stay open and played a critical role in keeping vehicles roadworthy. The aftermarket is a leader in the supply of mobility services, offering affordability and choice to millions of motorists for the service and maintenance of their vehicle. Through our work with UK AFCAR, we are collectively raising awareness of the sector ensuring that we are rightly considered across legislative and business policy making.”
