The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is highlighting the need for ‘positive action’ to help retail businesses meet rent demands as they continue to recover from the pandemic.

Subsequently, Bira is backing the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) proposals for a Property Bounceback Grant. This follows exclusive research revealing independent retailers’ concerns about paying their rent while trade struggles to return to pre-lockdown levels.

Under the BRC’s proposals, a government grant scheme would bridge the gap between what tenants can pay and what landlords can forego following negotiations based on the Government Code of Practice.

According to the draft document, the grant would cover rent and service charges. This applies to properties in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors that have been required to close by the government. A grant amount applies where tenant and landlord have come to a mutual agreement on their rent arrangements.

The BRC says that a similar scheme is available in Denmark to help both tenants and landlords through recovery.

Commenting is Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO. “Many retailers need more support with rental payments if we are to avoid even more job losses and potential business failures. The research shows that independent retailers have real concerns about future rental payments and the attitude of landlords.

“It is clear that retailers need ongoing support as they continually adjust their business to current trading conditions, which as we all know are not easy. We have seen some new proposals from the BRC regarding government support for rental payments and Bira supports this initiative. We have been raising concerns about rental payments for some time and positive action is needed.”

Further information on Bira is available here. Click here to visit the British Retail Consortium’s website.