The Welsh Government is further extending measures to protect
businesses affected by coronavirus from eviction until the end of
2020, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales has announced.
As part of action to support the business community amid
continuing hardship due to Covid-19 the moratorium against
forfeiture for the non-payment of rent, which was due to end on
30 September, will now run up to and include 31 December, 2020.
Rent due should continue to be paid whenever possible, but the
latest measure will ensure no business is forced out of its
premises if it misses a payment between now and the end of the
2020.
This will also ease the burden on retailers at a time of
immense challenge for the sector, including the winding down of
the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme.
Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales , said:
“We know there continues to be considerable concern among the
retail sector in Wales, and we are extending these measures
further in recognition of the incredible difficulties facing
them and many other businesses across Wales.
“This will prevent unreasonable evictions in the run up to
the crucial Christmas period, protecting jobs and
safeguarding businesses.
“However we also recognise the need to develop sustainable
ways to provide stability and certainty to businesses and
workers long-term in order to drive economic recovery.
“As part of this we will continue to make the case to the UK
Government to provide the further necessary support as we
plan for a prosperous post-pandemic Wales.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government said:
“Ensuring Welsh businesses can remain open, without fear from
eviction is vital to ensuring our town centres can continue
to thrive in a post-pandemic Wales. The extension of measure
to protect business from eviction until the end of the year,
will not only support but provide certainty for businesses I
the run up too and throughout the busy festive period.
Businesses have overcome new challenges since the start of
the pandemic. The repurposed £9 million of funding I recently
announced earlier this year was to support the safe reopening
of town centres and to allow businesses to continue to trade
in a safe environment despite these challenges.
“Giving our towns a sense of place is more important than
ever, and in line with our Transforming Towns agenda we will
continue to work collaboratively with partners to build
sustainable town centres for the future where businesses can
thrive.”
The UK Government has published a Code of Practice to promote
good practice for landlords and tenants as they deal with
challenges associated with coronavirus.
