Government extends ban on business evictions until end 2020

The UK government has extended its ban on evictions for commercial tenants until the end of the year amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The move will provide commercial tenants with greater security and protect vital jobs, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said.

The extension is in addition to the £160bn support package made available to businesses during the pandemic. The support is aimed at those businesses struggling the most, with those who can advised to continuing paying their rent.

Jenrick said: "This government is committed to supporting businesses and our high streets at this difficult time, and this extension of support will help businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and plan for the future."

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "During this particularly challenging time for businesses, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have the clarity and reassurance they need to build back better from the pandemic.

"Extending the temporary measures we put in place earlier this year to protect businesses from the threat of eviction will give them some much-needed breathing space at a critical moment in the UK’s economic recovery."

The government will also extend until the end of the year the restriction on landlords using Commercial Rents Arrears Recovery to enforce unpaid rent on commercial leases.