IGA urges government to provide independent garages business rates relief

Today, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) wrote to Robert Jenrick MP, secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging him to provide independent garages business rates relief.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive states: “The Government have rightly supported businesses with a rate relief package, however many small retail businesses that serve the consumer directly appear to fall outside the scope of the above relief.

“It is our understanding that retail businesses that operate from industrial premises, such as local independent garages, do not qualify for the relief by nature of the classification of their premises.

“Garages’ businesses have been classified as essential services during this crisis to ensure that key workers continue to have access to vehicle maintenance and repairs, and ensure they can fulfil their roles for the nation.

“We urgently ask that the Government review and expand the Retail Business Rates Relief scheme to include retail businesses that operate from industrial premises such as independent garages, to enable them to stay open for the benefit of our key workers.”

The IGA is closely monitoring and reviewing the changes implemented by the Government during the Covid-19 crisis, and is in communication with the appropriate Government departments to drive the best results for the independent garage sector.