Government announces eviction ban extension

The ministry of housing, communities, and local government has announced an extension to the ban of commercial evictions until 30 June.

Introduced by Robert Jenrick, housing secretary, the measure is intended to ensure businesses are supported upon reopening.

Alongside the commercial support package is a six-month notice period and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May to protect residential tenants.

With 36% of retail workers currently renting, the measures have been implemented so as to protect jobs as businesses reopen and renters can return to work.

Jenrick said that “it is right” to continue supporting renters as the roadmap to recovery is realised, with the latest scheme adding to its £280bn economic package to “keep business running and people in jobs”.

While the Government said that its current position “is to support commercial landlords and tenants to agree their own arrangements” for paying off rent debts by 30 June, its has claimed that it is also “prepared to take further steps”.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “After months of lockdown, this announcement provides much-needed breathing space to retailers impacted most by the pandemic, many of which are sitting on rising rent liabilities. 

“Where new rent plans have not yet been agreed, tenants and landlords must use this final opportunity to reach a deal before 30 June.”