Martin Ford 25 February 2021

Labour calls for council powers to intervene in high streets

Labour calls for council powers to intervene in high streets image

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.’

Photo: Sonicpuss / Shutterstock.com

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