The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is ‘delighted’ the Government has extended its protection for commercial tenants from eviction until the end of the year. Today (Wednesday, September 16), Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of 2020 – three months longer than anticipated. The extension to the moratorium, which was due to expire on September 30, follows campaigning from Bira and other trade associations.
Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, said: “Bira is delighted to see this further intervention by the Government. Retailers have worked very hard since re-opening in June to recover some of the lost sales from the lockdown. Footfall has remained a disappointing 30% lower than normal levels, and this has affected some business on the high street with 20% of independent retailers not able to pay rent in Quarter Two. This moratorium extension enables retailers to now focus on the build up to the very important festive period.”
