The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, noting while the update focused primarily on economic forecasts rather than new fiscal measures, significant pressures remain for independent garages across the UK.
With no new targeted support for small businesses or the automotive industry announced, the IGA says the sector continues to operate in a challenging environment marked by rising employment costs and investment demands.
Independent garages are the backbone of the UK’s vehicle repair and maintenance sector and continue to navigate higher wage costs, ongoing business rate concerns and the need to invest in new technologies to service increasingly complex vehicles, including electric and hybrid models.
Jon Douglass, Director of the IGA, said: “While today’s Spring Statement did not introduce new measures directly affecting independent garages, it does little to ease the very real cost pressures our members continue to face.
“Independent garages are vital to keeping the nation’s motorists safe and mobile. They are small businesses embedded in their local communities, employing skilled technicians and investing in new equipment to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving vehicle parc.
“As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget, the IGA urges the Government to recognise the essential role our sector plays and to consider targeted support around business rates, skills investment and capital allowances. Supporting independent garages ultimately underpins UK mobility and road safety, benefiting millions of motorists across the country.”
The IGA also noted wider economic uncertainty and continued pressure on household finances may increase price sensitivity among motorists, reinforcing the importance of a competitive and accessible independent garage sector.
The association will continue engaging with policymakers to ensure the voice of independent garages is heard ahead of future fiscal events.
