The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging independent retailers to reach out to their local councils about the government’s newly announced High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers, which aim to tackle persistently vacant commercial properties on UK high streets.
Introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, the HSRAlegislation will come into force on 2 December. It will give local authorities the ability to put the leases of long-term empty shops up for public auction, allowing businesses and community groups to secure short-term tenancies.
“The introduction of High Street Rental Auctions is a positive step forward in revitalising our town and city centres,” says Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “For far too long, disengaged landlords have been allowed to leave key commercial properties sitting vacant, to the detriment of local businesses and communities.”
He continued: “We urge all independent shop owners who have experienced issues with persistently empty premises in their area to engage with their local council. These new rental a provides an opportunity for retailers and other organisations to gain access to high street spaces that may have previously been off-limits.”
The government has committed over £1 million in funding to support the HSRA process, which aims to breathe new life into town centres by bringing businesses, community services and customers back to the high street.
Andrew added: “High streets are the beating heart of our local communities, and we cannot allow them to wither away due to landlord inaction. These new rental auction powers give opportunities to established or new retailers to secure affordable, short-term tenancies and expand their reach within their community.”
Bira is encouraging independent retailers to contact their local authority to understand how the HSRA scheme will be implemented in their area.
Top: From 2 December, local authorities will have the ability to put the leases of long-term empty shops up for public auction.
