NFDA COMMENTS ON 2024 KING’S SPEECH    

“In The King’s Speech, the new Labour government has outlined its agenda for the upcoming Parliamentary session, encompassing a variety of measures that span from transport initiatives to constitutional reforms.” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK.

Today, Wednesday 17 July, the new Labour government presented its legislative agenda for the forthcoming Parliamentary session during The King’s Speech. The King's Speech marks the opening of parliament, in which The King outlines the Bills that the incumbent government wants to process through Parliament. In the 2024 King’s Speech, around 35 Bills were announced, including a very much welcomed Skills England Bill. Also announced were Bills including investment in renewable energy and constitutional reforms.

During the Speech, the King said, ‘securing economic growth will be a fundamental mission’.

Sue Robinson: “While The King’s Speech contains positive elements, it is crucial for the Government to address key issues within the automotive retail sector, such as restimulating the private electric vehicle market. Additionally, it is important that NFDA and the broader industry are consulted on any major policy changes related to the ZEV mandate and business rates.

Sue Robinson commented: “One of the key ‘asks’ outlined in NFDA’s 2024 General Election manifesto [1] was to overhaul the ‘flawed’ Apprenticeship Levy so we are pleased to see the announcement of the Skills England Bill. This Bill aims to reform the Apprenticeship Levy, fulfilling a Labour manifesto pledge.

“While it is encouraging to see the new government act swiftly on this manifesto pledge, we urge them to work closely with NFDA and the wider sector to develop a Levy that meets the needs of businesses. The intensifying skills shortage continues to detrimentally impact the automotive retail sector.

“In light of the ongoing skills shortage in the sector, increasing investment in training electric vehicle technicians is essential, particularly as more electric vehicles hit our roads.

“In NFDA’s General Election Survey [2] carried out in the build-up to the General Election, dealerships were asked about areas of their business where they are currently experiencing skills shortages. In the survey, a staggering 82% of respondents noted ‘technicians’, while 53% identified ‘sales executives.” With the sector under pressure to attract and retain talent, we urge government to move quickly to ensure effective policy can be implemented to support the industry in its attempts to recruit the next generation of the workforce.”