The CTA’s boss Peter Bell has written to Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to voice concerns.
In the letter, seen by the Standard, Bell said: “Tenants have substantial commitments across their businesses in addition to those due to landlords.” He pointed to full staff costs subsequent to the removal of the furlough scheme and Covid loans.
He added: “Prioritising payments to landlords will not help businesses recover lost trade and protect jobs.”
The association believes the starting point for tenant and landlord talks should be a 50% write-off of leasehold debt incurred during the pandemic.
A ministry spokesperson said: “The Government is considering responses to a call for evidence on commercial rents and how to best to support businesses; an announcement on next steps will be made in due course.”
Tenants have substantial commitments across their businesses in addition to those due to landlords
Peter Bell, the Commercial Tenants Association
Yesterday the CBI proposed the hardest hit sectors should continue to be protected for a further six months. Capacity remains restricted for pubs and restaurants as they stay limited to table service.
