Autumn Budget Statement: IMI ‘wishlist’

Hayley Pells, Policy Lead at automotive professional body sets out hopes for next week’s Budget Statement for the automotive sector.

“Next week’s Autumn Budget Statement could be the opportunity for government to give employers some confidence about future support for recruitment, training and growth. It could also be the chance to set a clear industrial strategy that includes training the next generation as well as ensuring the UK can compete on the global stage.”

The IMI has its own ‘wishlist’ of where this support could make a difference for the automotive sector:

Education

Going to the heart of rebuilding the UK economy with a skilled workforce:

• Increased funding for apprenticeships
• Support for SMEs to offer apprenticeships
• FE Lecturer Funding 
• Adult Education Support, particularly for ADAS and electric vehicles
• Better financial support for apprentices, including free bus travel and a review of how apprentices who are also caregivers can benefit from Universal Credit

Business

The delay on the ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles has left some automotive businesses wondering whether their early investment in training was worthwhile: 

• Support for SMEs who made training and equipment investment based on the 2030 promise but won’t see a return now for some years
• Return of the Super Deduction (130% first-year capital allowance for qualifying plant and machinery assets; and 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets)
• Reduced rates to help motor businesses invest in equipment and skills for new technologies

Motorists

Improving understanding of the benefits of new automotive technologies, as well as improving awareness of the skills they should expect from their chosen servicing and repair provider:

• Educate about the road safety aspect of ADAS
• Make alternative fuelled vehicles more attractive using incentives