Next month, councils across England will be given new powers to transform high streets by tackling long-term empty shops. Starting from 2 December, High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) powers will allow local authorities to auction leases for persistently vacant commercial properties, a move that is hoped will bring new businesses and community groups back to once-busy centres.
Through HSRAs, councils can take action if a property remains empty for more than 365 days within a two-year period. By auctioning leases for up to five years, this policy aims to prevent disengaged landlords from sitting on empty properties, which contribute to the decline of high streets. Local authorities will need to first try to engage with the landlord to resolve the vacancy before putting a property to rental auction.
According to data quoted by the government, one in seven high street shops are currently closed. So, this initiative could provide a helpful boost, creating jobs and driving foot traffic back to town centres.
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris emphasised the importance of reviving high streets, saying: “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.” He added that HSRAs put “local communities first, re-energising town centres and driving local opportunities and growth.”
Additional support for high street businesses
There is currently plenty of talk at government level about how to revitalise high streets.
During the Autumn Budget it was announced that the small business rates multiplier has been frozen for next year. Plans were also revealed to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties.
£250 million was also committed for 2025-26 to the British Business Bank’s small business loans programme.
The government has also announced its intention to publish a new Small Business Strategy next year. This will set out further measures to support SMEs and, according to the government announcement, supporting small businesses on the high street will be at the centre of this.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/high-streets-to-be-revitalised-with-new-legal-powers
New changes come into effect from January 2025 where online platforms, such as eBay and Airbnb, will start sharing some user sales and personal data with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The government’s promised new Fair Payments Code was launched last week to try and tackle late payment problems that can be particularly harmful to small businesses.