The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the extension of the ban on business evictions to the end of the year, as announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The initial ban on evictions was introduced at the start of the pandemic to protect struggling firms, such as restaurants and retailers, from being evicted to the premises and was due to expire at the end of September.
The announcement has confirmed that this ban has been extended until the end of 2020, and the Government also confirmed that it will extend the ban on landlords using bailiffs to enforce unpaid rent on leases until the end of the year.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “Local shops operate in a range of locations across the UK and many retailers, particularly those trading in city centres and transports hubs, have seen a significant decline in trade since the start of the outbreak.
“We welcome the Government decision to extend this support, which will provide local shops with additional help. This will allow them to focus on recovering their business to ensure that they can continue to feed their communities now and into the future.”