Evictions ban is extended

RETAIL, hospitality, tourism and other businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic will now be protected from eviction until the end of June 2021, Economy minister Ken Skates has announced.

As part of the action Welsh Government is taking to support the business community the moratorium against forfeiture for the nonpayment of rent, which was due to end on 31 March, will now be extended until 30 June, 2021. Welsh Government said While businesses should continue to pay rent wherever possible, the latest measure will ensure no business is forced out of its premises if it misses a payment between now and the end of June this year.

Mr Skates, said: “The past year has placed untold pressures on our firms and our people as we deal with coronavirus and that is why we have moved at pace to support the business community through the pandemic with a package worth in excess of £2 billion.

“Today’s announcement of the extension of measures to prevent forfeiture for the non-payment of rent builds on that and is crucial in protecting businesses from eviction and securing jobs and livelihoods over the coming months.

“We will continue to do all that we can to help them through these incredibly challenging times.”

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: The decision to extend the moratorium against forfeiture for the nonpayment of rent to the end of June will hopefully go some way to ensuring that we’re continuing to help support our town centres and building back better as they safely continue to trade during this pandemic.”