Looking at
LASORS Section F, which relates to Class and Type ratings:
F3.4 Renewal of Multi-Engien Piston (Land) Class Rating
Where license holders ahve been unable to renew a MEP (Land) Class rating for a period not exceeding 5 years from the date of expiry, they will be required to complete the following requirements:
i) The CAA will require no mandatory additional training. Applicants should complete training at their own discretion sufficient to pass the Skill Test.
ii) accordance with Appendices 1 and 2 or 3 to JAR-FCL 1.240 & 1.295. The renewal of an instrument rating should be combined with the class rating proficiency check
This is the rule which seems to apply in your case, since your multi IR will now be 7 months out of date. Although I can't find anything that explicitly says so, it's always been my understanding that a "Skill Test" needs to be taken on an aircraft, not a simulator - so you are correct, you will need to fork out for the hire. I think.
FFF
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