Green Party Pledges Affordable Leases for High Street Shops, Targets Empty Properties
The Green Party of England and Wales has detailed a blueprint aimed at resuscitating high streets, which it intends to implement in any councils it gains control of following May's local elections.
Under the party's proposals, Green-led councils would employ compulsory purchase orders to acquire vacant commercial properties, subsequently leasing them to small enterprises at council-determined affordable rates. This strategy seeks to retain wealth within local communities and ensure high streets reflect local priorities, according to Green leader Zack Polanski.
Compulsory Purchase Order Challenges
Despite previous governmental encouragement for councils to utilise compulsory purchase orders for regeneration, these mechanisms are often considered a last resort due to their significant costs, legal complexities, and the requirement for specialised expertise. The Local Government Association has previously highlighted the considerable resources necessary for their effective deployment in town centre revitalisation.
The Greens are also advocating for councils to be granted powers to control rents for small businesses, a measure currently unavailable to English local authorities, preventing landlords from increasing prices unchecked. This follows a trend of long-term high street decline, with 12,804 shops and outlets closing in the UK in 2024, set against 9,002 openings.
Broader Political Responses
Other political parties have also put forward their own proposals to address high street decline. The Labour government previously outlined plans for communities to acquire boarded-up shops and grant councils powers to block certain retail types. The Conservative Party's strategy focuses on abolishing business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses up to £110,000 annually, alongside proposals to reduce electricity costs and increase police presence.
The Liberal Democrats advocate for a temporary VAT cut for hospitality and tourism and a new business levy to shift the tax burden onto commercial landowners. Reform UK attributes high street struggles to excessive business rates and parking charges, proposing to abolish business rates for all pubs and promising further proposals.
