It was announced this week that the government’s ban on forfeitures for commercial properties has been extended until the June 30th, 2021. Previously, this was set to expire on March 31st.
In addition to this, the ban on residential evictions has also been extended until May 31st, 2021.
This is the latest in an ongoing series of actions taken by the government to deal with the range of economic concerns and difficulties that have arisen during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the decision to extend the forfeitures ban, Secretary of State for Housing Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP gave the following comments:
“It is right that as we move through the roadmap, we ensure that businesses and renters continue to be supported.
We have taken unprecedented action to support both commercial and residential tenants throughout the pandemic – with a £280 billion economic package to keep businesses running and people in jobs and able to meet their outgoings, such as rent.
These measures build on the government’s action to provide financial support as restrictions are lifted over the coming months – extending the furlough scheme, business rates holiday and the Universal Credit uplift.”
Secretary of State for Business Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP stated:
“We’re doing everything we can to ensure businesses get the support they need to get through this pandemic and reopen when it is safe to do so.
I know business owners will welcome this latest package of support and the breathing space it will give them to prepare for a safe reopening, and, ultimately, to build back better.”
According to the full press release on https://www.gov.uk/, the Ministry of Justice is also planning to lay a Statutory Instrument which would extend the restriction on use of CRAR (Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery) services. The total number of days of outstanding rent required for the use of CRAR will rise to 457 days between March 25th and June 23rd, and to 554 days between June 24th and June 30th.