Local councils have been given powers to auction off long-vacant commercial property rentals in a bid to revive deserted high streets.
The government said it would give new high street rental auction powers to local authorities and “create a 'right to rent' for businesses and community groups, giving them access to sites in the heart of cities, towns and villages.” . 
It added that the measure would “ensure that discouraged landlords sit on vacant land for more than 365 days in a 24-month period before councils are able to auction off one- to five-year leases.”
Bassetlaw, Darlington and Mansfield councils are among the main local authorities to pilot the new powers, which officially came into force earlier this week.
The move was set into law in November after the last Conservative government introduced it as part of the Leveling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds said: “Empty shops gathering dust does nothing for high streets, jobs or the economy. This is why we said we would shutter and today we are delivering on that promise.
“Combined with a broader SME strategy that tackles payment delays, captures more SME exports and promotes access to finance, we can put more people into good-paying jobs and boost economic growth. To help, we unashamedly support small businesses.”
The Government has said it will “deploy more than £1 million” to support local auctions.
