RMI applauds ’positive’ Autumn Statement

The RMI applauds the Chancellor’s confirmed commitment in ‘rebuilding Britain’ and an industrial strategy for the automotive sector for a decade in the recent Autumn Statement.

“Also, it is positive to see the extension of the small business rate relief scheme for a further year which will benefit 600,000 small businesses”, said Sue Robinson, RMI Director.

Apprenticeships levy

The RMI welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement to raise the apprenticeship levy by £3bn a year. There will be £15,000 allowance, so 98 per cent of employers will not pay.

This will in turn encourage small businesses to take on more apprentices.  Government hopes to increase funding and raise the number of apprentices to 3million by 2020.

RMI Director Stuart James comments, “The RMI supports the levy in the context that apprentices will now have the right levels of funding to ensure quality training and development to grow into highly skilled technicians. Government money alone could not have funded this. We still need further answers for SME’s, as they make up the vast majority of the UK’s car repair businesses.”

Diesel vehicles 

“It is also beneficial that the removal of the diesel supplement from company cars will be delayed until 2021 ahead of the new EU testing regulations, and that Ultra-low emission vehicles will continue to be supported”, added Sue Robinson.