The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written a follow-up letter to Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to address the inconsistency of local authorities’ classification of independent garages within business rate relief legislation.
The IGA is requesting that retail businesses operating from industrial premises are specifically included on the list of businesses eligible for the retail business rates relief scheme.
Stuart James, IGA chief executive said: “Independent garages are being asked to remain open to support key worker mobility, but a high level of inconsistency remains across local councils when it comes to support.
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“We urgently ask the Secretary of State to provide clarity to local councils that garages are retail businesses, and as such are eligible for the assistance under the Covid-19 retail business rates relief scheme and business interruption grant.
“Including these local garage businesses specifically will enable them to stay open for the benefit of our key workers and give them the best chance of survival through the crisis.”
For further information about the IGA, select ‘more details’ below.
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