Powers to tackle plague of vacant shops approved in Westmorland
Summary
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans to use High Street Rental Auctions to bring long-term vacant commercial units back into use across Barrow, Kendal, Penrith and Ulverston. The scheme, introduced by the Labour government in December 2024, gives councils powers to auction leases for empty privately owned premises in targeted town-centre locations.
Why it matters
Surveyors with town-centre, mixed-use or commercial-adjacent residential portfolios should note the expanding use of statutory powers affecting vacant high street property. The policy may influence local regeneration activity, occupier demand and the future use of buildings in affected centres.
Key points
- Westmorland and Furness Council has voted to proceed with a High Street Rental Auctions pilot.
- The powers target long-term empty privately owned units in selected town centres.
- Barrow has the highest reported vacancy rate at 25.1%, followed by Kendal, Ulverston and Penrith.
- Government funding of £10m has been made available nationally to support councils using the scheme.
- A number of named streets in the four towns are included in the proposed intervention areas.
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