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High Street Rental Auctions
26 February 2025
Lead MP
Jessica Toale
Bournemouth West
Lab
Responding Minister
Rushanara Ali
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementHousing
Word Count: 13199
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Jessica Toale raised concerns about high street rental auctions in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Derby North
Welcomed high street rental auctions as a promising step forward in tackling empty shops and encouraged support for councils to use these new powers.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Congratulates Jessica Toale on securing the debate and discusses the importance of town centres and high streets, advocating for powers to close vacant shops.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Raises concerns about landlords avoiding business rates through false occupancy claims and urges the Minister to address these practices.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
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.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
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.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
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.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Thanked the Minister for addressing Members’ questions and outlined support for various Government reforms to aid small businesses.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed Jessica Toale's debate, acknowledging her busy day with PMQs and leading this discussion on high street rental auctions.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
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.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Concerned about the vibrancy of Stafford high street and supported the Government action to introduce high street rental auctions.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby
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.
Poole
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.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
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.
Alex Norris
Introduced a five-point plan to address high street issues including antisocial behaviour, business rates reform, banking hubs, late payments and property use.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
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 Ali
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Government Response
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.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.