NBRA calls for funding clarity

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has called for clarity from the Scottish government about whether bodyshops can apply for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant scheme (RHLBGS) and the 100% Non-Domestic Rates holiday for retail.

The cut-off date to apply for the RHLGS closed on 10 July, however NBRA members in Scotland have reported an inconsistent experience with accessing support from local authorities, with some able to access government funds and others being rejected.

Although garages were among the retailers permitted to remain open during the lockdown, a massive decline in motor vehicle use and the subsequent decrease in demand for body repair services meant that the majority of bodyshops closed throughout lockdown.

NBRA director Chris Weeks said: “NBRA calls on the Scottish government to provide clarity on the retail grant scheme and allow all body repair shops to access the relief. The work that bodyshops do in keeping vehicles in a roadworthy condition is crucial to keeping Scotland’s roads safe. Ensuring these businesses remain viable through the Covid-19 crisis is therefore essential.

“We have been advising NBRA members facing rejections for government financial relief to continue to appeal to their local authorities. Now that the deadline to apply for financial relief has closed, car body repair shops in Scotland are now relying on the appeals process to ensure they can sustain their businesses whilst motor vehicle use remains low.

“Local authorities across Scotland must apply this relief evenly and consistently to ensure a fair business recovery,” Weeks added.