Across the UK, empty shops have become an increasingly common sight, painting a worrying picture of struggling high streets and communities losing vital local services. In 2024 alone, the country saw nearly 13,500 shop closures, averaging about 37 every single day, a staggering 28% increase from the previous year. Independent retailers, the backbone of many local economies, have been hit the hardest, with many forced to shut their doors due to rising costs and changing shopping habits. The looming reduction in business rates relief, from 75% down to just 40%, is expected to add even more financial pressure on these small businesses, threatening the survival of many.
Against this backdrop, politicians, community leaders, and business owners are all urging the government to step up and offer more meaningful support to revive struggling high streets. The Labour Party has called for a full reform of the business rates system to ease the burden on retailers, highlighting that without change, the decline may continue unchecked. Meanwhile, the government has introduced the High Street Rental Auctions scheme, designed to give local councils the power to auction off leases on commercial properties that have sat empty for over a year. This initiative aims to open doors for small businesses and community groups who might otherwise be priced out, helping to breathe new life into vacant shops.
While the auction scheme is a positive development and a step in the right direction, many experts believe it is not enough on its own. The challenges facing high streets are complex and deeply rooted in broader economic and social changes, such as the rise of online shopping and shifting consumer preferences. To truly reverse the trend of empty shops, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This would include reforming business rates, offering tailored support to independent retailers, and encouraging innovative uses of empty spaces that meet the needs of local communities.
For residents who cherish their local high streets as hubs of social life and culture, the stakes are high. Empty shops are more than just vacant buildings; they represent lost jobs, reduced community spirit, and fewer opportunities for connection. The hope is that by combining new initiatives like rental auctions with deeper policy changes, the government can help ensure that high streets not only survive but thrive, preserving the heart of towns and cities for generations to come.
