Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) has welcomed the Government’s recent announcement that it has extended measures to prevent struggling retailers from eviction until September. The protection was due to expire on June 30.
Bira (whose members include cookshops and housewares stockists) lobbied for the enhanced scheme after an exclusive members’ survey revealed that fewer than half of independent retailers who discussed rental payments with landlords during the UK-wide lockdown saw a positive outcome.
More than 80% (83.4%) of respondents to the poll said they had discussed rental payments with landlords. However, just 41% had received a positive response.
Almost one third (28.7%) said their landlords would offer them no help, while 3.7% said they were also being threatened with legal action.
Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s ceo, said: “It was clear that retailers needed more protection and this moratorium goes some way to achieving that. We hope now that landlords will work with tenants to find a mutually acceptable solution.”
On April 23, business secretary Alok Sharma announced landlords and investors will be asked to work collaboratively with high street businesses unable to pay their bills through the coronavirus pandemic. Landlords will also be prevented from using Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) unless they are owed 90 days of unpaid rent.
