New powers welcomed by council leader

Council leader, Phil Jordan, has welcomed new council powers designed to deal with empty commercial properties in town centres.

Local authorities are to be given new powers to revitalise high streets by transforming long-term vacant shops into active commercial spaces. The High Street Rental Auctions initiative allows local councils to auction leases for properties that have been empty for over a year within a two-year span. This move aims to curb absentee landlords and reinvigorate town centres by offering ‘right to rent’ opportunities for businesses and community groups.

The government believes this will create jobs and increase trade by bringing business back into town centres.

Cllr Jordan said: “These new powers are innovative and very helpful in helping us address empty shops in our high streets. I welcome the new approach, and positive attempts to help our high streets become attractive and vibrant areas that encourage people to visit.

“For too long, there has been declining footfall in Island high streets, and whilst having fewer, or no, empty shops is only part of the wider retail problem, it is, nonetheless, an important factor. I am encouraged and motivated to make good use of these new powers and believe they will make a difference to our high streets.”