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
