Alex backs Labour’s High Street Rental Auctions

As part of his campaign to tackle Gloucester’s empty shops, Alex welcomes the news that the council unanimously voted in favour of Labour’s proposed introduction of High Street Rental Auctions, as such Alex is working with colleagues to press for a full list of vacant properties. 

Empty shops shouldn’t drag down our high streets; they should be full of life and opportunity. That’s where High Street Rental Auctions come in. 

Here’s how it works: 

➡️ Shops empty for 12+ months become eligible for the scheme. 

➡️ The market sets the rent, not the landlord. 

➡️ The council holds an auction for a lease of up to five years. 

➡️ The landlord must accept the winning bid, bringing the space back into use. 

What This Means for Gloucester 

✅ More shops open – no more rows of empty units. 

✅ A stronger local economy – more jobs, more footfall, more buzz. 

✅ A revitalised city centre – breathing new life into our streets. 

✅ Pride in our city again – Gloucester looking and feeling its best. 

Together, we can turn empty shops into thriving businesses and bring energy back to our high streets.