A debate has been scheduled in the Westminster Hall on 26 February on government policy on high street rental auctions. This debate pack provides background and related press and parliamentary material.
Government policy on high street rental auctions (182 KB , PDF)
A Westminster Hall debate on ‘Government policy on high street rental auctions’ is scheduled for Wednesday 26 February 2025, from 2:30pm. The debate will be led by Jessica Toale MP.
Powers to allow local councils to carry out high street rental auctions (HSRAs) have been in force since 2 December 2024. They apply to England only. The primary legislation under which these powers were introduced is the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 which gained royal assent on 26 October 2023.
Detailed information on the government policy and the process for HSRAs is set out in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government non-statutory guidance on high street rental auctions.
Broadly speaking it explains that the government’s aim is to empower local leaders and communities to take control over the look and feel of their area. The government wants to see local authorities work proactively with landlords to encourage vibrant and successful high streets. The new powers will allow local authorities to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants.
Government policy on high street rental auctions (182 KB , PDF)
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024-2025 had its First Reading in the House of Commons on 11 March 2025. Second Reading is scheduled for 24 March 2025. The Bill, and its Explanatory Notes, can be found on the Parliamentary website.
Business and consumer sentiment can give an early indication of economic trends. Find the latest data on what businesses and consumers expect for the UK economy.
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 9.30am on 25 March on accountability of the construction industry. The subject for the debate has been chosen by the Backbench Business Committee, and the debate will be opened by Will Forster MP.
