Government policy on high street rental auctions

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.

Further information

• MHCLG, Non-statutory guidance, published 2 December 2024.

• Part 10 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) 2023

• Government press release: High streets to be revitalised with new legal powers, 12 November 2024