Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

High Street Rental Auctions

Monday 20 January 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • High street rental auctions are recognized as a means to address vacant shops.
  • The Minister is willing to meet Connor Naismith to discuss removing obstacles for Crewe's regeneration.
  • 5 million has been allocated to support local authorities in implementing high street rental auctions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Connor Naismith Lab Crewe and Nantwich
Housing Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP referenced the need to regenerate Crewe town centre, citing specific examples of vacant shops owned by irresponsible landlords. He highlighted a particular case where an M&S unit has been left unoccupied.

Question

Crewe town centre is in desperate need of regeneration with 'new year, new me'. Vacant shops are a major issue, particularly an M&S unit now owned by an absent landlord and left to go to rack and ruin. How can obstacles be removed to bring this crucial unit back into use?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

High street rental auctions are recognised as a means to address the issue of vacant shops. The Minister acknowledges Crewe's struggles with absent landlords and is willing to meet the MP to discuss how obstacles can be removed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to remove obstacles for bringing back the M&S unit into use was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP highlighted the challenges faced by local businesses in Rickmansworth and requested information on how high street rental auctions can be supported to help such areas.

Question

Rickmansworth high street faces challenges due to dedicated business owners. What specific steps is the Minister taking to support local authorities in implementing initiatives like high street rental auctions?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

£1.5 million has been made available to support local authorities in delivering high street rental auctions powers effectively across the country, including to South West Hertfordshire.

Answered
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