New rent discount for market traders and small business units

Bridgend County Borough Council has extended its concessionary rent scheme for market traders and occupiers of small industrial units.

The 50 per cent discount, which will be in place until 31 March 2021, forms part of a phased series of concessionary rent rates originally introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses as they reopened following the initial pandemic lockdown.

Having already received a 75 per cent reduction in August and a 50 per cent reduction in September, traders were set to benefit from a 25 per cent reduction in October.

Instead, the council agreed to extend the 50 per cent reduction, and to regularly review it throughout the remainder of the pandemic.

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams said: “Coronavirus levels may finally be improving but the pandemic is still ongoing, and until the situation is back to normal, we want to do all that we can to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the county borough.

“This is the latest in a package of previous support which has already included a full suspension of rents, and a phased reintroduction using different concessionary rates.

“The support is also in addition to more than £37m in business support grants, extended periods of free car parking, free start-back training, free equipment to keep staff and customers safe, and much more.”