New legal powers to revitalise high streets

Councils will be given new powers to bring life back to high streets and transform shops that have been empty for a long time.

High Street Rental Auctions (HRSAs) will give businesses and community groups a right to rent neglected town-centre commercial properties.

HRSAs will allow local leaders to put the leases of empty properties up for auction in an attempt to stop disengaged landlords from sitting on empty properties for more than 365 days in a 24-month period.

The government has committed £1 million in funding to support the auction process, which it is hoped will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing businesses, community services and customers back to the high street.  

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets are the beating heart of our communities. But for too long, too many have been neglected, with more and more empty lots and boarded up shopfronts.”

“We are giving local councils the tools to take back control. High Street Rental Auctions will put local communities first, re-energising town centres and driving local opportunities and growth.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“This change further helps small businesses across the country, alongside new online support for exporters, a major consultation to tackle the scourge of late payments and an increase in the employment allowance for small businesses.

“We promised to lift the shutters on our great British high streets and we’re delivering real action across the board, to boost jobs, opportunities and get the economy growing.”