Proposals for councils to take over empty shops and a ‘wholesale reform’ of business rates have been put forward by Labour.

Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds unveiled the plans as part of a programme to revitalise ailing town centres.

Under the plan, local authorities would be granted new powers to ‘repurpose’ commercial properties if left vacant for a year and planning rules would be changed to require permission for changes of use to residential.

Ms Dodds said: ‘Labour’s plan would help secure the future of the high street.

'It would give local communities a proper stake in their town centres, support new businesses to open up on our high streets and help rebuild our economy post-pandemic.’

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