Ongoing support pledged for traders in historic market

Leeds City Council says it will continue 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 1 January to 31 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.

These include 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.

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 like to thank those forced to close under current measures for the sacrifice they have made 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.