(This note is not part of the Regulations)
Section 82 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 ensures that re-entry or forfeiture for non-payment of rent may not be enforced in relation to relevant business tenancies during the “relevant period”. Section 82(12) of the Act defines the “relevant period” as beginning on 26 March 2020, and ending on 30 June 2020, or such later date as may be specified in regulations made by the relevant national authority.
The Welsh Ministers are the relevant national authority in relation to Wales.
The Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/606 (W. 140)) extended the “relevant period” until 30 September 2020.
The Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/960 (W. 214)) further extended the “relevant period” until 31 December 2020.
The Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1456 (W. 314)) further extended the “relevant period” until 31 March 2021.
The Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/253 (W. 66)) further extended the “relevant period” until 30 June 2021.
As a result of these Regulations, the moratorium provided by section 82 of the Act is further extended until 30 September 2021.
Regulation 2 of these Regulations extends the “relevant period” until 30 September 2021.
Regulation 3 of these Regulations revokes the Business Tenancies (Extension of Protection from Forfeiture etc.) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021.
The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ and on the Welsh Government’s website at www.gov.wales.