February 2018

Wheels fall off tax fraud NEWS Proposed changes to the frequency of the MOT test have been called off by government, following strong opposition expressed in the MOT consultation last year. The decision was announced on 18 January when the Department for Transport (DfT) issued its response to the MOT Consultation. Jesse Norman MP, Parliamentary under secretary of state for roads, local transport and devolution said: “After careful consideration, I have decided not to proceed with the changes proposed to the timing of the first MOT test. “Great Britain has a comprehensive testing system for vehicles which makes an important contribution to road safety. The changes proposed had potential for both benefits and risks, and after due consideration I do not consider it right to take them forward at this time. He continued: “While the changes proposed in this consultation will not be taken forward at this time, further research will take place in the near future. This work will help to ensure that the MOT test remains robust and appropriate to the evolving needs of the road transport sector. The move was quickly welcomed by the industry. "Common sense has prevailed,” said Independent Garage Association (IGA) director Stuart James. “We applaud the government for listening to the industry and making the right decision." Garage Equipment Association (GEA) chief executive Dave Garratt commented: “It’s great news indeed. The government stated in its announcement that the UK has some of the safest roads in the world. This is exactly what we have been saying for the past 18 months, as well as the fact that delaying the introduction year or changing the frequency of the MOT would result in unnecessary risk to all road users. We are also pleased to see that Jesse Norman has said that the government are looking at ways to evolve the MOT to make sure that its meeting the demands of modern vehicle technology.” Martin Gray, CEO of Euro Car Parts observed: “This is great news, both for the consumer and the independent repairer community. It is our belief, and that of the wider sector, that road users’ safety will be maintained as a result of this decision.” Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) chief executive Wendy Williamson commented: “It is an understatement to say that we are delighted that these plans have now been scrapped, which comes as a result of all the hard efforts of the whole of the industry. From the outset, we’ve vigorously fought these proposals, which threatened not just the aftermarket but more crucially, motorists’ safety. “To ensure as safe and cost-effective motoring as possible, motorists must have their vehicle inspected and serviced regularly. Given that figures suggest one in five vehicles fail their MOT in the first three years, moving to an extended testing period would have potentially caused more accidents and fatalities due to defective vehicles on UK roads.” National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) chief executive Stefan Hay added: “From day one, we considered the proposal to change the MOT testing frequency to be ill-advised, unnecessary and potentially harmful to motorist safety. There was no support from the leading motoring bodies or automotive trade associations and motorists, overwhelmingly, appeared content with the 3-1-1 frequency. I am therefore delighted at this outcome which shows the democratic process at its best.” www.aftermarketonline.net MOT 4-1-1 scrapped by government 4 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2018 www.aftermarketonline.net A Lanarkshire garage owner who failed to pay almost £210,000 of tax and National Insurance due on self- employed earnings has been jailed for 18 months. Investigations by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed that from 2009 to 2014 Iain Wilson, 61, from East Kilbride, had failed to declare all of his earnings as the sole proprietor of Milton MOTs. Checking his declared sales against DVSA records, HMRC officers discovered that Wilson had been suppressing his earnings, failing to declare his true income in his Self Assessment tax returns, and evading £208,912.62 in Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. Joe Hendry, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Wilson chose to lie about his income and didn’t pay the tax due on his earnings. He thought he could pocket the money, which should have been funding vital public services, but he was wrong and now he’s paying the price.” Wilson was sentenced to 18 months in prison when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 4 January. He was found guilty after trial at the same court on 17 November 2017. Confiscation proceedings to recover the proceeds of his crime are underway