Dr Todd Mei, Head of the Department of Philosophy, has published an article entitled ‘Why the collection of commercial rents should be suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic’.
The article discusses the effect on footfall in commercial properties during a period of indefinite economic slow down.
‘Imagine a situation in which there is a pandemic, and most businesses have to shutter their doors for an indefinite time,’ the article describes, ‘Because this is happening now, rent is certainly coming to the fore as an important topic with there being no current and future production for a vast majority of businesses.’
Todd says: “It seems obvious that businesses, both independents and chains, need as much help as they can get during this pandemic. Suspension of rents is an easy way to provide this help. It’s great to see a key aspect of my research in the philosophy of economics become so prominent and clear.”