Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which an inability to pay rents has contributed to the number of failing retail businesses in 2020.

Government recognises that there can be complex reasons behind the failure of certain retail businesses.

The UK government has extended measures to protect struggling companies from eviction over the summer. The extension, until the end of September, comes alongside further support to help local businesses plan for economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.

A new code of practice has been developed with leaders from the retail, hospitality, and property sectors to provide clarity for businesses when discussing rental payments and to encourage best practice so that all parties are supported.

These interventions are in addition to the comprehensive financial package provided by the UK Government to businesses during this difficult time and is in recognition of the strain that the sector is currently under.