Rents completely cut for borough market traders until the summer...

It is a move from the 50 per cent cut to a full 100 per cent rate relief



Market traders across Nuneaton and Bedworth will have free rent between now and the summer to help them bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Town Hall leader, councillor Kris Wilson said it was time they stood by the traders who have stuck with the council 'through thick and thin'.

The ruling Conservative cabinet voted to extended the 50 per cent rate cut for market traders which was put into place by the previous ruling Labour group to 100 per cent.

Cllr Sam Croft, the new cabinet member for finance, said they wanted to go further - and use more of the £3.7 million given by the government to support local businesses through what is known as the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund.

In fact, the Tories had proposed in their alternative budget to give free market rent as well as free parking - but this was turned down by Labour.

But Cllr Croft claims that the previous administration left them with a 'black hole' as they told them that the ARG could be used to help off-set parking costs and market rent.

He said that when they took over power, they found out that the Labour group was told in December that this was not the case - and councils could not pay themselves from the ARG - but did not pass this information on.

So it put paid to the Tory manifesto pledge plans to offer free parking now.

However, as the current free parking offer after 3pm on weekdays and all weekend days, was made prior to the government policy change - it does still stand - and will do so until July.

Cllr Croft said that they will offer free parking - as soon as they can.