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 27th Apr 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
Energy bills
The price of energy has gone up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit. The raising of the price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - by an average of nearly £700 meant that households' bills would be a lot larger. With the war in Ukraine also disrupting gas supplies, the demand for energy also went up, causing prices to go up even further.
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 risen 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, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. These are the highest costs for petrol seen for decades.
Interest rates and inflation go up
To try and minimise the damage for the average households, the Bank of England raised interest rates to 0.75% in March 2022. Those saving money would earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank. Inflation also soared to a record 7% in March, making it the highest rate of inflation since March 1992.