Government aid announced today for landlords and retailers hit by the recent riots has been largely welcomed.
The British Property Federation said it was pleased with prime minister David Cameron’s announcement of £30m to help restore high-street buildings and a longer timescale for businesses to make compensation claims.
Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF, said: “Landlords will play their part in helping their communities to recover. The extra time they now have to make claims will give them valuable breathing space as they work with tenants to take stock of the damage and disruption that has been caused.”
The British Retail Consortium said recovery measures would help businesses get back on their feet, but would not act as long-term strategy to win back investor confidence in certain areas.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said: “Our high streets urgently need action which will revitalise them in the long term. When the rubble has been cleared away and stores have reopened, there will be bigger, underlying problems still to address.”
Edward Cooke, executive director of the British Council of Shopping Centres, said: “We welcome all the moves announced today that will help those whose property has been destroyed. However, only time will tell whether the government’s money for recovery is meaningful enough.”
A spokesman for the British Independent Retailers Association said: “It is vital that policing levels in the coming days ensure that we are not discussing more support for more damaged retailers. The government must ensure there is no more property damage.”
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
