The North East has the highest percentage of empty high street shops in Britain, a new study has revealed.
Research published by the think tank Power to Change shows the 100 towns experiencing the biggest rise in persistent vacancy rates.
Since 2015, persistent vacancy rates have increased across Britain from 3.7% to 5.2% in 2023
The North East is experiencing the highest persistent vacancy rate of all Britain’s nations and regions at 8.4%, according to the study.
The West Midlands has a persistent vacancy rate of 6.5%, while in the North West it is 6.9%.
Wales follows the North East closely with a persistent vacancy rate of 7.7%.
Tim Davies-Pugh, chief executive of Power to Change, said: ‘With persistent vacancy rates on the rise, it’s clear that current interventions to reimagine our high streets do not go far enough.
‘While these warning lights may seem bleak, we know that community businesses are key to the revival of the high street and are already making the changes needed to build town centres fit for the future.’
