High road rescue operation revealed after one in seven retailers shut bombshell
The government has announced that starting next month, councils will get a fresh set of powers aimed at reviving the UK’s high streets. After years of decline, and with many favourites shuttering for good, it now appears as though UK officials are starting to realise they need to act.
New plans announce this week focus on transforming long-standing vacant shops into places of use. Dubbed High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), the scheme will empower local authorities to bring back into use persistently empty retail spaces in city, town, and village centres by auctioning off leases.
The ‘right to rent’ initiative for businesses and community groups will come into effect from December 2, following legislation laid this Monday.
(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
This marks a significant move to combat absentee landlords holding onto unused properties for more than a year within a two-year span, allowing councils to then auction leases ranging from one to five years.
A Government spokesman said: “The government’s commitment to growth is evident as it promises over £1 million to back up the auction process, aiming to generate local employment and stimulate commerce by attracting business, community services, and customers back to main thoroughfares.
Against a backdrop of approximately one in seven high street shops being shuttered, these plans signal a robust effort by the government to restore vitality to town centres and ensure lively high streets are a permanent feature. This development coincides with Love Your High Street Week, orchestrated by the British Independent Retailers Association to celebrate local enterprises and innovation.”
(Image: Getty Images)
In the words of Local Growth Minister Alex Norris: “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.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also made a bold statement: “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.”
He then went on to emphasise additional support for the business sector: “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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
