A leading councillor has welcomed a boost for shops and businesses from landlords Kirklees Council – in what could be a “national first.”

Businesses in Kirklees who pay rent to the local authority are to receive a three-month deferral on their payments.

And it is hoped that commercial landlords will follow Kirklees Council’s lead to help ensure business continuity in the months to come.

Clr Andrew Cooper, the leader of the Green group on the council who proposed the deferral, said he hoped the commercial sector – as well as other councils – would follow suit.

He said it could be “a national first.”

Clr Cooper, whose Newsome ward includes Huddersfield town centre, welcomed the move.

“I originally proposed it to ensure small independent businesses like retailers, pubs, cafes and restaurants survive this crisis intact.

“We will need them to bring life back to our town centres and I am urging other councils around the country to follow Kirklees’ lead.”

He also threw down the gauntlet to commercial landlords in Huddersfield town centre.

He added: “There is now a challenge to commercial landlords of our Huddersfield town centre businesses.

“If councils can do what is right to protect the long-term interests of our local economy so should you. A three-month rent holiday for your tenants now could well ensure they are your tenants in the future.”

The council has 870 properties in its commercial portfolio including managed workspace for new and small businesses.

The authority’s support sits alongside the package of business support announced by the Government.

Council Leader Clr Shabir Pandor said the council was “determined to do everything in our power to provide the support and guidance [businesses] need during the Coronavirus pandemic.”

He added: “We hope that deferring rent for all our commercial tenants for the next three months will help them get through this crisis and come out stronger on the other side.”

For further information on the Government’s support package for businesses impacted by the coronavirus visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/coronavirusbusiness.

If you have business rate and grant enquiries contact the council’s Business Rates team by phone on 01484 414941 or email business.rates@kirklees.gov.uk. For all other enquiries contact the council’s Business Team at business.enquiries@kirklees.gov.uk