Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

High Streets update

16 September 2020 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Proposed by Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The moratorium on commercial landlords' right to forfeit leases due to non-payment of rent is extended until December 31, 2020.
  • The government aims to provide businesses and employees with certainty and protect vital jobs.
  • The government is also examining an extension to restrictions on serving statutory demands and winding-up petitions.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the extension of the moratorium on commercial landlords' right to forfeit leases due to non-payment of rent.

Action requested

I have laid a statutory instrument extending the moratorium until December 31, 2020, providing businesses and employees with certainty and protecting vital jobs. The government is also considering an extension to restrictions on serving statutory demands and winding-up petitions.

Key facts

  • Moratorium established via Section 82 of the Coronavirus Act 2020.
  • Originally due to expire on September 30, extended by three months to December 31, 2020.
  • Extension helps protect vital jobs in retail and hospitality sectors.
  • Accompanied by an amendment to Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery measures led by the Ministry of Justice.
  • Restrictions on serving statutory demands and winding-up petitions are currently in place until September 30.
  • Government implemented measures since March to support commercial property tenants and landlords.
  • Protection from forfeiture applies in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
  • Welsh Government has laid a statutory instrument for an additional three-month extension.
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