Labour has announced that eight new councils will join the High Street Rental Auction programme and will set an example for other councils considering signing up to the scheme.
Under High Street Rental Auction powers, councils will be able to step in and put a property to rental auction where it has sat vacant for more than 365 days in a 24-month period. The new measures will prevent disengaged landlords from sitting on empty units which could otherwise be supporting local economic growth and jobs.
The announcement comes as Labour takes action to breathe new life into our high streets after 14 years of Conservative economic mismanagement. Research shows that, by the time the Tories left office, around 16.2% of retail units sat empty across the West Midlands.
Since being elected, Labour has made revitalising high streets and town centres a core part of its Plan for Change. The party has already introduced new measures to tackle late payments, cut taxes for small businesses by increasing the employment allowance, and drive down antisocial behaviour blighting high streets. A new Small Business Strategy will be introduced later this year.
Commenting Preet Kaur Gill MP said:
“Labour’s Plan for Change will put more money into the pockets of working people and breathe new life into our communities after 14 years of Conservative chaos.”
“High streets are the beating heart of our local communities and are key to driving economic growth and supporting good jobs across Birmingham.”
“No one wants to see shuttered shops in our town centres, so I’m really pleased that eight new councils will lead the way with new powers to tackle empty shop units.”
ENDS
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