Ban on business evictions extended until end of 2020
Posted: Wed 16th Sep 2020
The government's ban on landlords evicting commercial tenants who are struggling to pay rent has been extended until the end of the year.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the restriction, which was due to end on 30 September, will now continue until 31 December.
The move comes after business groups warned that hospitality and retail firms face collapse when having to pay rent for the next quarter.
The government said the support is aimed at businesses struggling the most during the coronavirus pandemic and where businesses can pay rent, they should do so.
"During this particularly challenging time for businesses, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have the clarity and reassurance they need to build back better from the pandemic," business secretary Alok Sharma said.
"Extending the temporary measures we put in place earlier this year to protect businesses from the threat of eviction will give them some much-needed breathing space at a critical moment in the UK's economic recovery."
Ministers have urged tenants and landlords to work together on agreeing rent payment options. In June, it published a code of practice to help.
The government is facing increasing pressure to provide new support for businesses as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme approaches closure in October.
Labour leader Kier Starmer said a replacement scheme should be introduced to prevent the "scarring effect of mass unemployment".
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "I have not hesitated to act in creative and effective ways to support jobs and employment, and will continue to do so."
At #TreasuryQuestions, @MelJStride asked if the Chancellor agreed that further targeted support after October will be needed to save jobs.@RishiSunak said:
"I have not hesitated to act in creative and effective ways to support jobs and employment, and will continue to do so." pic.twitter.com/PdVRlDosTk
— Treasury Committee (@CommonsTreasury) September 15, 2020
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