The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is urging independent garage owners and operators to provide critical input ahead of a key meeting on the longstanding MOT fee freeze and the financial impact of the recent Autumn Budget.
The IGA has been invited to discuss these issues with officials from the office of Lilian Greenwood MP on 11 March. The association aims to present concrete evidence on how financial constraints are affecting businesses across the sector.
The government’s MOT fee freeze has placed increasing financial pressure on independent garages, compounded by rising operational costs. Additional financial measures introduced in the Autumn Budget have added to these challenges. The upcoming meeting is seen as a crucial opportunity to ensure policymakers fully understand the impact 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 several key areas:
- 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 increased 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 strict 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.”
