The Government published guidance for English local authorities last week confirming that petrol stations will be eligible for a rates discount for the next two years.

It outlines the £1,000 discount for small businesses with premises with a rateable value of under £50,000 that was announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement.

The inclusion of petrol stations is a victory for the PRA which had to lobby hard after Government officials initially said they were not included in the measure.

PRA chairman Brian Madderson said: "Inclusion of petrol stations is a direct result of PRA intervention. This shows how formidable our lobbying has become, knowing which people in which department to ask the question of, and informing them of the needs of the petrol stations.

"This is a massive windfall saving, purely as a result of PRA intervention."