Annual MOT tests could be SCRAPPED to cut cost of living
The Government is reportedly considering major changes to help cut costs for drivers
Last updated 29th May 2022
The Government could scrap annual MOT tests to cut the cost of living for drivers, replacing them with a check every two years.
Currently, vehicles over three-years-old must have a current MOT certificate, which owners have to renew every year.
But the AA is concerned proposed changes to MOT tests would make roads more dangerous, and lead to higher repair bills.
Cabinet urged to come up with "innovative" policies to cut living costs
Scrapping annual MOT tests is one of a number of measures ministers are reportedly considering, as Boris Johnson urges his top team to deal with rising pressures facing households.
The Prime Minister has asked his cabinet to come up with "innovative ideas" to cut costs, without spending any new money.
Changes could also be made to rules around nursery staffing, reducing ratios so nurseries can look after more children.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson told ministers "there was more to do, including in areas like childcare, to further ease pressures for those who need it most and to get even more people into high-skilled, high-wage jobs".
He declined to give more details about the plan, saying it was "live policy work taking place and I'm sure we'll have more to say in the future".
Labour calls for emergency budget
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he wants to see "an emergency budget, not a Cabinet meeting" to address the cost-of-living crisis.
He told reporters in Stevenage: "The cost-of-living crisis has been staring us in the face for six months now and it's a real problem for people struggling with their bills - and the Cabinet meeting this morning isn't going to change any of that."
The Government has done "very little in relation to energy bills" and "made a bad situation worse by choosing to put taxes up", he said.
Cost of living crisis
Interest rates and inflation go up
Inflation rose by 8.8% in the 12 months to January 2023, down from 9.2% in December 2022. With interest rates also rising to 4%, those saving money will earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank.
Energy bills
The price of energy went up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
Food prices
The cost of a weekly shop also has gone up as a result of the cost of living crisis. As a result of the war in Ukraine, a number of products including cooking oils and wheat have been disrupted. This means that several products are now considerably more expensive, driving bills up for customers.
Prices at the pumps
The average cost of petrol has also rose to unprecedented levels. Supply lines for petrol have been thrown into doubt as a result of the war in Ukraine, as Russia is a large export partner for gas, oil and fuel. In April 2022, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. By late June 2022 the price had risen to an average of 190.9p for a litre of unleaded and 198.9p for a litre of diesel. In March 2023 the price wass on average of 147.03 in petrol and 167.04 in diesel.
Average cost of filling up a car with petrol hits £100
On 9th June 2022, the average cost of filling up a car with petrol hit £100 for the first time ever. Diesel had already hit that milestone. It comes as the cost of fuel hit a record high of one pound eighty a litre. The 2p rise was the biggest daily jump in 17 years. Prices have dropped by at least 20p per litre since the high point.