I ran a high street small business before being elected in 2024, and I’ve seen the deterioration of our high streets and what that means for our communities.
We need to make sure that we are creating the right conditions for our high streets to thrive, and we also need to be able to step in when landlords leave shops and buildings empty for too long. Empty shops, often owned by out-of-town investors and developers who are unmotivated to bring them back into use, are a huge blight on town and village shopping areas.
I am pleased, therefore, that the Government has now given new powers to councils to bring long term empty buildings back into use.
Under this scheme local leaders will be empowered to take action where landlords have not taken sufficient steps to rent property – auctioning off leases on premises that have been vacant for more than a year – and granting local businesses and community groups the ‘right to rent’ empty commercial lots at market prices.
This will play a critical role in spurring regeneration on a local level – and will be part of a package of measures we are deploying to put high streets and town centres back on their feet.
I am delighted that both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils are moving forward work to introduce these powers with Westmorland and Furness launching a consultation on their plans to pilot their use, which I encourage people to contribute to at High Street Rental Auctions consultation | Westmorland and Furness Council.
Which areas do you want to see these new powers being used, and how could they make a difference in your area? Let me know and I will share this with the local authorities whilst they are drawing up their plans.
More information on High Street Rental Auctions can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-street-rental-auctions-non-statutory-guidance/high-street-rental-auctions-non-statutory-guidance