ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the extension of the ban on business evictions to the end of the year.

The initial ban was due to expire at the end of September after protect struggling restaurants and retailers who had been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Today’s announcement was confirmed by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick with the government also confirming that the ban will be extended to landlords using bailiffs enforcing unpaid rent on leases.

Mr Jenrick said: “This government is committed to supporting businesses and our high streets at this difficult time, and this extension of support will help businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and plan for the future.”

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops operate in a range of locations across the UK and many retailers, particularly those trading in city centres and transports hubs, have seen a significant decline in trade since the start of the outbreak.

“We welcome the Government decision to extend this support which will provide local shops with additional help which will allow them to focus on recovering their business to ensure that they can continue to feed their communities now and into the future.”

The extended measures are an addition to the £160 billion package of support available for businesses during the pandemic.

This means that over £35 billion on the furlough scheme, protecting over 9.6 million jobs while around £8.5 billion for nearly 3 million self-employed people.

The full announcement is available here.