Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Vacant Commercial Properties (Temporary Use) 2025-12-16

16 December 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham

HousingBusiness & TradeLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Luke Akehurst raised concerns about vacant commercial properties (temporary use) 2025-12-16 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about vacant commercial properties in towns like Chester-le-Street and Stanley due to speculative landlords making unreasonable demands.
  • Proposal to enable local authorities to allocate vacant commercial properties for temporary use by charities, community organisations, and small businesses.
  • Bill aims to address the issue of empty shop units by compelling absentee landlords to make properties available temporarily.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham

I propose a Bill to enable local authorities to allocate for temporary use by charities, community organisations and small businesses any vacant commercial properties during the period of their vacancy. The state of our high streets is a matter of concern with numerous empty landmarks in towns like Chester-le-Street and Stanley due to speculative landlords making unreasonable demands. This Bill aims to address this issue by compelling absentee landlords to make empty shop units available temporarily, helping new enterprises break through and become staples in the local community.

Other contributors (1)
  • Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham

    The Bill will provide a lifeline to new enterprises, giving them backing they need to succeed. It aims to address the growing number of empty shops and commercial units by making properties available temporarily for charities, community groups and small businesses. This helps combat terminal decline in high streets due to internet shopping and out-of-town centres.

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