Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 20 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. It was answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Retail Trade: Empty Property

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he plans to take to help tackle high vacancy rates in (a) shopping centres and (b) other retail units.

Answer: The Government is committed to fostering the conditions to reduce vacancy, including in our high streets and shopping centres. We have introduced legislation to ban upwards-only rent reviews in commercial leases to make tenancies more affordable, and will introduce lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026. As set out in the recent Pride in Place strategy, we have also introduced High Street Rental Auctions, empowering councils to bring vacant units back into use, and other measures to support revitalisation of vacant space including a new Community Right to Buy for valued assets, such as shops and pubs, and streamlined compulsory purchase orders. This is alongside up to £5 billion investment in 244 of the most deprived neighbourhoods which can be used to tackle high street vacancy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 83617
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Retail Trade: Empty Property
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Empty property Retail trade Shopping centres
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk