Written by Iain Hoey
CVS Group, IVC Evidensia and vetPartners, which collectively own nearly 40% of all veterinary care practices, have added their voice to growing calls for the government to grant the industry business rates relief, as COVID-19 restrictions threaten the viability of practices nationwide.
Whilst retailers, pet shops and a range of other businesses are eligible for rates relief, veterinary practices are specifically excluded. Vets are currently obliged by law to continue administering urgent and emergency care, while current government guidelines prevent practices from providing their full range of services.
These measures are having a markedly negative effect on the sector, as weekly practice turnover has plummeted by more than 75% for nearly a quarter of vets, with two-thirds of practices seeing turnover slashed by 50% or more.
Stuart Caton, group chief commercial officer & vice president at IVC Evidensia said the government is ‘not doing enough’ to support the veterinary sector despite its vital function within the UK’s agricultural, food and export industries.
Caton said: “Without business rates relief, some practices, which already operate on thin margins, will not survive, and the knock-on effects will be far-reaching.
“The closure of vet practices not only has serious implications for the welfare of the over 50 million pets in Britain, but risks further impacting on public health and disrupting supply chains, at a time of immense pressure and national emergency.”
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