Clarification for Business Cash Grants

Furanow

Good evening,
I was wondering if anyone could help me out? We are a small family run business, a Garage for servicing and repairs, and MOT's. As we pay rates we are not classed as a small business (although there is only my wife, myself, our daughter and two teenage apprentices) So can't claim the £10k cash Grant. Seeing that we pay business rates with a rateable value of £16k. We hoped we would then be eligible for the RHLG £25k for those rateable between £16k and 51k. Unfortunately our lovely District Council have refused our claim, siting we don't fit the government guidelines.
We have a reception area, coffee machine, TV and sell oils, screen wash etc from there. Prior to the lockdown we had seating for 4.
Regards Danny

oldbikebloke

what is your question?
garages are classed as essential businesses that are allowed to remain open
businesses eligible for financial support do not include garages - the guidance provides a list of business types  that are eligible - a TV and coffee machine does not make you into a hospitality business or other eligible retail outlet 

brewdog

That's strange. .  
My friend has 3 MOT garages,he pays business rates on the 3 as a collective,he is still testing cars,and got paid £25000 earlier this month  ????

Furanow

brewdog said:

That's strange. .  
My friend has 3 MOT garages,he pays business rates on the 3 as a collective,he is still testing cars,and got paid £25000 earlier this month  ????

That is what I'm arguing! Various council's like your friend's have paid out. In the wording for eligibility to qualify for the £25k  cash grant, you have to be retail, with easy access to the public. Car show rooms and secondhand car lots are included. 
can you tell me which district council your mate is in? I'm just trying now to compile a list of councils that use their discretion according to the guidelines. It just amazes me that after being in business for 23 years and paying rates, we're left in the cold.

Currently waiting for clarification from Robert Jenrick MP via the IGA
Thank you. 

Airwolf1

Furanow said:

Good evening,
I was wondering if anyone could help me out? We are a small family run business, a Garage for servicing and repairs, and MOT's. As we pay rates we are not classed as a small business (although there is only my wife, myself, our daughter and two teenage apprentices) So can't claim the £10k cash Grant. Seeing that we pay business rates with a rateable value of £16k. We hoped we would then be eligible for the RHLG £25k for those rateable between £16k and 51k. Unfortunately our lovely District Council have refused our claim, siting we don't fit the government guidelines.
We have a reception area, coffee machine, TV and sell oils, screen wash etc from there. Prior to the lockdown we had seating for 4.
Regards Danny

You would be eligible for £25,000 under Scheme 2b. If the council said no, they need to provide a valid reason, not just that you don't fit the government guidelines. I would appeal the decision.
An afterthought is that the council may not know that you are a garage. If your property is in the rating list as workshop and premises it is rather generic, so it may be worth telling them that when you appeal.

Daz2009

In N Staffs the councils have paid out to garages.
In some other counties I've been told they haven't.
It's farcical.Might be worth talking to your MP