South London Traders Seek Clarity After Lockout Deal with Landlord

A group of traders in South London is navigating a precarious situation following a recent agreement that permits them to return to their premises after being locked out due to unpaid electricity bills. The traders at Castle Square, which houses businesses like Kaieteur Kitchen and Original Caribbean Spice, are expressing cautious optimism but also significant concerns about the details of the arrangement.

On October 1, 2023, traders were locked out of their units in Elephant and Castle by their landlord, Get Living, over outstanding electricity arrears exceeding £20,000. The traders had been informed that they needed to settle these debts within 14 days. They attribute the accumulated arrears to “metering issues” that prevented regular billing from 2021 until last year.

Last week, on October 10, Cllr John Batteson, the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, announced that an agreement had been reached with Get Living. This new deal allows traders to repay their debts over a 12-month period. Cllr Batteson stated, “As part of a new payment plan, traders can now pay off their arrears over the course of a new 12-month arrangement.” He acknowledged the financial strain caused by rising electricity costs and reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

Despite this announcement, traders remain hesitant. A joint statement released on October 13 emphasized that they had yet to receive formal confirmation of the payment plan and its terms. They expressed their dissatisfaction, noting, “While community pressure has pushed the council to secure an improved deal, it’s not a victory yet – we still need to see the full terms.”

Of particular concern is the exclusion of Diana Sach from Coma y Beba from the new deal. The traders voiced their support for Sach, stating, “This is unjust, and we stand with her for equal treatment.”

The uncertainty surrounding the arrears continues to weigh heavily on the traders. Many fear that the repayment plan could make it financially unfeasible to operate their businesses. Additionally, there are lingering questions about access to documentation that would allow them to verify the correctness of their charges. According to the traders and local charity Latin Elephant, Get Living has warned that eviction proceedings will commence immediately if any trader misses a monthly payment.

The implications of these arrears extend beyond immediate financial concerns. Traders worry that outstanding debts could hinder their ability to apply for affordable units in the new town centre planned for Elephant and Castle, although no specific plans have been released yet. Since the demolition of the old shopping centre, businesses were relocated to Castle Square in September 2020, with promises of moving into a new unit within five years.

Traders have previously reported issues with foot traffic and visibility, compounding their uncertainty about the future. As they await further details from Get Living, they remain committed to advocating for their rights and seeking fair treatment.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has reached out to Get Living and the property management company, Savills, for further comments.