17th June 2021
Dear Member
COVID-19 UPDATE – STOP PRESS
Members may have seen yesterday’s announcement that the Government has announced an extension on the protection from eviction for commercial tenant has been extended to 25th March 2022. They will also bring forward legislation to ring-fence unpaid rent in a way that will require landlords and tenants to agree reasonable repayment terms. This is something that has been welcomed. Details can be found here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eviction-protection-extended-for-businesses-most-in-need
Government has also extended the deadline by which Councils can distribute funds under the Additional Restrictions Grant. As I have said before it is well worth keep banging on the door for more money, even if we are open. The delay in the removal of restrictions will have an impact and our supply chain members should make this point in their further claims.
In other news, can I thank members for volunteering to host MP visits. We are building up a sizeable programme of visits for the Summer both to inland and seaside arcades. Also thanks to members who wrote to their MPs about the Business Rates bill going through the Commons. A number promised to speak in yesterday’s debate or write to the Minister on our behalf.
President, Greg Wood and I, have also held meetings this week with DCMS officials in both the Tourism and Gambling departments to discuss our on-going requests for support, which chime with many many other sectors’ views on the furlough scheme and rates relief etc., as well as the Gambling Review.
Kind regards
John