Businesses offered rent deferrals for three months

By Dom Stevens - 9 April 2020

Derbyshire County Council business tenants will be given the opportunity to defer up to three months of their monthly rent payment in a move to give them some relief during the coronavirus crisis.

The rent deferral will cover the months of April, May and June 2020 and the scheme then reviewed to see if it needs to be extended. The outstanding rent would be paid back over a period up to the end of March 2022.

Derbyshire County Council own and maintain a number of small business units, larger units and the Markham Vale Environment Centre. The total annual rental income across this portfolio amounts to nearly £2 million a year and the rent deferral would reduce this by nearly £0.5 million with the money being recouped at a later date.

All businesses applying for the rent deferral would be assessed to check that they will be able to repay the rent over the longer term.

Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We welcome the support being given by government but we cannot underestimate the impact coronavirus is having on our local businesses and we’re keen to do what we can to help.”

“We’ve been getting enquiries from our tenants about how we can assist them.”

“We hope that a rent deferral and the other measures we are introducing will help to keep these companies in business and once the crisis is over they can continue contributing to the vibrant economy of our county.”

Find out more about the support available to Derbyshire businesses on the Derbyshire County Council website.