IGA urges industry feedback on MOT fee freeze

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling on independent garage owners and operators to provide critical input ahead of a key Government meeting on the MOT fee freeze and the financial impact of the recent Autumn Budget.

The IGA has been invited to discuss these pressing issues at a meeting on March 11, with the office of Lilian Greenwood MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Future of Roads.

The association is keen to present concrete evidence on how these financial constraints are affecting businesses across the sector.

The IGA said 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.

This meeting represents a crucial opportunity to ensure policymakers fully understand the impact these factors have on independent garages nationwide.

Jonathan Douglass, director of the IGA, said: “This is an important opportunity to make our collective voice heard at the highest levels.

“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.

IGA said all information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised where necessary.

Douglass added: “We have reached out to our members and the response so far has been overwhelming.

“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 March 11. Businesses are encouraged to submit their data and insights by March 5, to IGAcomms@rmif.co.uk.