More councils commit to new scheme aimed at opening up empty shops to small businesses
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Posted: Fri 7th Mar 2025
Eight more local authorities have committed to implementing new powers to auction leases on long-term empty high street properties.
High street rental auctions (HSRA) came into force in England last December and give small businesses and community groups the opportunity to bid for empty spaces.
The changes are aimed at tackling persistently empty high street buildings and stopping disengaged landlords sitting on unused premises for more than 365 days in a 24-month period.
Three local authorities - Bassetlaw, Darlington and Mansfield - came on board as 'early adopters' in November, and another eight have now also signed up:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Broxtowe Borough Council
Camden London Borough Council
Hillingdon London Borough Council
Lichfield District Council
North Northamptonshire Council
North Somerset Council
Westminster City Council
Alex Norris, local growth and building safety minister, said:
"We're bringing shops and shoppers back to the high street, boosting trade, creating jobs, supporting our communities and driving local growth through our game changing high street rental auction rollout.
"I am delighted that eight more councils have become early adopters of these new powers, acting as leading lights for other local authorities.
"We are committed to growing the economy and improving opportunities for people across the country, and thriving high streets have a key role to play."
The government has provided £1.5 million in funding to help local authorities cover the costs of rolling out HSRAs.
Enterprise Nation recently ran an event in Ramsgate which brought together expert views and experiences in how to reverse declining high streets by opening up empty shops to new retailers, while supporting existing businesses. Read a summary of the discussion here.
Relevant resources
Video: How to open a pop-up or full-on shop
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