Council reaffirms its support for market traders

In what continues to be an incredibly difficult and challenging time due to coronavirus, Leeds City Council are continuing to provide a range of meaningful assistance to all market traders in Leeds.

This includes as part of a package of financial support, providing a 100% rent concession for all outdoor and district market traders and a 50% rent concession for indoor market traders from 1st January to 31st March 2021, to reflect the ongoing impact of restrictions on trading activity.

The council has carried out a range of measures to support traders at Kirkgate Market and across the city since the first lockdown in March 2020, including putting in place payment plans to the end of March 2022 to allow traders to spread the payment of arrears accrued during the lockdown period. This is in addition to a range of support provided to businesses by the Government including rates relief and grants.

Trader representatives have welcomed the support and thanked Leeds City Council for giving traders hope in the ongoing pandemic.

Lisa Stebbings, representative of the outdoor market said: “Traders have asked me to express their thanks to the management and Leeds City Council for securing the rent reduction. This has made traders feel better about the coming months and will really help. It’s good to see the continued investment in Leeds Markets.”

Lawrence Brown, representative of the indoor market added: "Traders have been worried about how they will make their rent payments given the current situation and the continued support for them is very much appreciated. They are looking forward to a time when they can come back and trade and continue to be a vital part of retail in Leeds."

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council's deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said: "While our essential businesses have been able to remain open and provide an invaluable service to the people of Leeds that we are very grateful for, I also appreciate and would also like to thank those forced to close under current measures for the sacrifice they have made again in these unprecedented times. It is for this reason that since the first lockdown in March 2020, we have offered a meaningful package of support for all of our traders. By investing in and supporting our traders now, we are helping to secure a future for our independents at Leeds Kirkgate Market."

Leeds Kirkgate Market, indoor and outdoor market remain open for essentials.