Portner

  The government has granted power to local authorities to “breathe new life back into high streets and transform long-term empty shops”. High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will enable local authorities to tackle persistently vacant properties by putting empty shop leases up for auction. Partner Mitchell Griver examines the new proposals. The government says UK high streets have been neglected for too long, resulting in one in seven high street shops currently being closed. It has committed to “revitalise town centres and bring thriving high streets back for good”. Under new rules that came into force on 2 December 2024, councils will be able to step in and auction one-to-five-year leases of “qualifying high street premises” that have been empty for more than 365 days in the previous two years. Qualifying high-street premises “Qualifying high-street premises” are premises the local authority considers suitable for “high-street use” situated in a designated high street o...