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Recently had to replace the brake wheel cylinders on a rear wheel. My garage replaced both sides then informed me it was "Industry Standard" to do both sides simultaneously. Is this correct and when was this standard introduced please.

I think the words should be “Industry Practice” rather than “Industry Standard”.

There is no legal requirement for the repairer to replace both wheel cylinders but it is considered good workshop practice to ensure the rear brakes work with equal efficiency.

Brake balance is part of a Warrant of Fitness inspection and where brake rollers are used it can become very obvious, and reason for rejection, when one cylinder is working better than the other.

In addition, when new brake shoes are fitted they come as a set so both sides are replaced. Using an old cylinder with new shoes can often create a brake fluid leak due to the repositioning of the cylinder piston.

At the end of the day the garage concerned should have contacted you with their recommendation to replace both wheel cylinders, and asked for your approval to proceed to stop unpleasant surprises when the invoice was presented.

If both cylinders were of similar age then I support the garages decision to replace them however, poor communication often leads to a unhappy or confused customer.