NFDA SUBMITS AUTUMN BUDGET PROPOSAL 2025

“The upcoming Autumn Budget in November marks the second major fiscal event under Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government and is the best opportunity this year to provide clarity on the Government’s strategy for the automotive sector” commented Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) following NFDA’s latest Budget submission.

NFDA submitted its Budget proposal to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, ahead of the 15 October submission deadline, for consideration in preparation of HM Treasury’s 2025 Autumn Budget, scheduled for 26 November.

The submission addressed a wide range of challenges and opportunities currently impacting the automotive industry. Key priorities outlined by the NFDA include:

• Tax changes to increase electric vehicle adoption
• Extend ICE vehicles deadline in ZEV mandate to align with European manufacturing output
• Freeze fuel duty
• Reform inheritance tax
• Remove apprenticeship levy clawback
• Improve charging infrastructure
• Remove business rates stealth tax

Sue Robinson concluded: “This year, the Government has made fiscal announcements, including the Spring Statement in April and the Spending Review in June, where the automotive sector was mentioned. However greater clarity has been consistently needed. The upcoming Autumn Budget is a real opportunity to demonstrate some meaningful sentiment with policy support.

“Our sector accounts for around 78% of the UK automotive workforce, approximately 600,000 jobs, and generates a turnover of around £200 billion. This drives billions of pounds in annual contributions to the UK economy, underlining our critical role in the nation’s economic strength.

“NFDA urges the Chancellor to drive investment in automotive and address the needs of the automotive retail sector as a priority.”