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The government has announced another extension of the lease forfeiture moratorium, in a boon for the hospitality industry.
Robert Jenrick, the house secretary, confirmed protections that prevent landlords from repossessing commercial premises, if businesses are unable to to pay rent due to Covid-19, will now expire in June.
Originally the moratorium was due to expire on 31 March.
In a statement, Jenrick said: “It is right that as we move through the roadmap, we ensure that businesses and renters continue to be supported.”
Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality’s chief executive, said: “Extending the moratorium is a sensible and positive step by the Government. It was really the only option for businesses that are on the brink of reopening but have piled up so much rent debt over the past year.
“It is even more encouraging to see the Government issuing a call for evidence on the possibility of additional measures to solve the rent crisis.”
She added: “Rent debt has spiralled to unmanageable levels for too many businesses through no fault of their own. We have reached an impasse that threatens the survival of many businesses right at the moment that they are looking to reopen and rebuild.”
