The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling on workshop owners and operators to provide critical input ahead of its meeting with the government on the current MOT fee freeze, and financial impact of the recent Autumn Budget.
On 11 March, the IGA will be meeting with the office of Lilian Greenwood MP, to discuss these pressing issues. The association is keen to present concrete evidence on how these financial constraints are affecting businesses across the sector.
The government’s MOT fee freeze has placed mounting financial pressure on independent garages, exacerbated by increasing operational costs. Additionally, new financial measures introduced in the Autumn Budget pose further challenges to the sector.
With these issues impacting businesses, the meeting represents a crucial opportunity to ensure policymakers fully understand the impact these factors have on independent garages nationwide.
MOT fee and finance pressures
“This is an important opportunity to make our collective voice heard at the highest levels,” commented Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA. “The MOT fee freeze and increasing financial pressures are unsustainable for independent garages, and we need real-world data to support our case. Your input will help us advocate for meaningful change.”
To build a strong, evidence-based case, the IGA is seeking data and insights from businesses on the following topics:
- The rising costs of operating an MOT station since 2010, including equipment, training, and maintenance expenses.
- Increases in overhead costs, utilities, and insurance.
- Salary increases for MOT testers and staff since 2010.
- The financial impact of the National Insurance increase in April.
- The effect of minimum wage increases from April.
- Any other relevant financial or operational challenges impacting independent garages.
All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised where necessary.
“We have reached out to our members and the response so far has been overwhelming,” concluded Douglass. “The challenges faced by independent garages are significant, and this meeting is a critical step toward addressing these issues. We appreciate the support and urge everyone to contribute their insights to strengthen our case.”
The IGA is compiling this crucial information ahead of the scheduled meeting on 11 March. Businesses are encouraged to submit their data and insights by Wednesday, 5 March, to IGAcomms@rmif.co.uk.
