House of Commons · Westminster Hall
26 February 2025 · 15 other contributors · 13,199 words
Opened by Jessica Toale Lab Bournemouth West
Responding minister: Rushanara Ali
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jessica Toale raised concerns about high street rental auctions in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The auctions require landlords to lease properties within a certain timeframe, preventing them from leaving spaces empty for years on end, which could be transformational for many towns across the country.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Our high streets are the beating heart of communities but have been neglected, leading to empty shop fronts and antisocial behaviour. The rise of online shopping, out-of-town retail parks, and austerity have left town centres struggling with a staggering 15% vacancy rate in Bournemouth West.
Welcomed high street rental auctions as a promising step forward in tackling empty shops and encouraged support for councils to use these new powers.
Congratulates Jessica Toale on securing the debate and discusses the importance of town centres and high streets, advocating for powers to close vacant shops.
Raises concerns about landlords avoiding business rates through false occupancy claims and urges the Minister to address these practices.
Pleaded for high street revival, noting that local economies need tangible growth indicators through thriving town centres. Supports the policy but urges continued efforts for Burntwood town centre and other high streets.
The MP highlighted the economic pressures on high streets, noting a significant reduction in retail units between March 2020 and March 2022. He discussed the policy of high street rental auctions as a way to bring new life to persistently vacant properties but acknowledged concerns about its effectiveness.
He highlighted the progress made in Taunton and Wellington's town centres, noting the increase in occupancy rates and new businesses. He raised concerns about exceptions for large former department stores from participating in high street rental auctions.
Thanked the Minister for addressing Members’ questions and outlined support for various Government reforms to aid small businesses.
Welcomed Jessica Toale's debate, acknowledging her busy day with PMQs and leading this discussion on high street rental auctions.
Welcomes new powers to tackle persistently vacant shop units, discusses challenges faced by local authorities in rolling out the scheme, and calls for funding to cover administrative costs.
Concerned about the vibrancy of Stafford high street and supported the Government action to introduce high street rental auctions.
The hon. Member for Great Grimsby highlighted the need for a substantial change that would give local areas greater control over their high streets, noting previous fragmented funding initiatives and their limited success in delivering promised changes.
He inquired about the number of properties identified by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council that would partake in the high street rental auctions scheme. He agreed with his colleague on the need for a more ambitious approach from local authorities.
Discussed Mansfield's high street decline, highlighting a £20 million investment and support for high street rental auctions. The council is working to convert the former Beales department store into a community hub.
Introduced a five-point plan to address high street issues including antisocial behaviour, business rates reform, banking hubs, late payments and property use.
Welcomes the debate on high street revitalisation but raises concerns about business rates impacting small businesses. Calls for a commercial landowner levy to replace business rates, shifting responsibility from tenants to landlords.
Government Response
Rushanara AliThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Government are committed to supporting the growth and evolution of town centres and high streets. They acknowledge the challenges faced by high streets in adapting to consumer behaviour and demographic changes, stating that during the previous period there was austerity and record under-investment leading up to the general election. Commenced legislation for high street rental auctions to increase cooperation between landlords and local authorities, provided £1 million funding to local councils, introduced a new community right to buy, and invested in regeneration projects.