The Winners And Losers Of The UK's Commercial Rent Arrears (Covid) Arbitration Scheme

• Published date: 13 October 2022
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Real Estate and Construction, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate
• Law Firm: Herbert Smith Freehills
• Author: Mr Matthew Bonye and Shanna Davison

Matthew Bonye, head of our Real Estate Dispute Resolution team, and Shanna Davison, professional support lawyer, recently shared their thoughts on the mandatory arbitration scheme launched earlier this year by the Government in response to arrears accrued during COVID-related closures. The scheme ran for six months ending on 23 September 2022 and, whilst we may continue to see some decisions trickle through for any referrals which were made before the deadline, participation appeared to be much lower than anticipated.

By analysing the scheme...