Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations

1.    In recognition of the challenges faced by Markets Traders a concession comprising a reduction of 50% of the rent due be applied for the period 4^th July 2020 to 23^rd October 2020. 

2.    For all other days between 23 March 2020 and 31st May 2021 it is recommended that no rent be charged.

Consideration was given to the report which gave details on the proposals for a concession on the payment of market rents during the period of COVID-19 restrictions from 23^rd March, 2020, to 17^th May, 2021.  It was reported that business for traders in Rotherham Market had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with trading largely ceased between March to July 2020 as part of lockdown restrictions.

Market traders in Rotherham had been supported by business rates relief, statutory Business Support Grants, local discretionary support grants and protection from eviction under rent provisions for established leaseholders. Demands for the payment of rent due from market traders had been put on hold over the past year and, in recognition of the challenges faced by market traders, a concession comprising a reduction of 50% of the rent due to be applied for the period 4^th July 2020 to 23^rd October 2020. For all other periods in the financial year 2020/21 it was recommended that no rent be charged but that billing and charges be reinstated in full with effect from 1^st June 2021.

Resolved: -

(1)  That in recognition of the challenges faced by markets traders a concession comprising a reduction of 50% of the rent due be applied for the period 4^th July 2020 to 23^rd October 2020.

(2)  That for all other days between 23rd March, 2020, and 31^st May, 2021, no rent be charged.