Central Bedfordshire Council launches consultation to define high street areas for new rental auction powers
Monday, 1 September 2025
We are inviting residents, businesses and community groups to share their views on proposed high street areas where new powers could tackle long-term vacant properties.
We are considering the use of new powers introduced through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, which allow local authorities to auction leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for over a year.
These High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) are intended to help bring empty units back into use in designated areas.
Before any decisions are made, we must identify specific high street locations where these powers could apply. We are now inviting views to help ensure our approach reflects local priorities and needs.
Councillor Steve Watkins, Executive Member at Central Bedfordshire Council responsible for Economic Growth, said:
High streets across the country are facing challenges, with rising vacancy rates affecting footfall, investment and community pride. HSRAs offer a new way to overcome barriers such as absentee landlords and stalled regeneration efforts, by enabling local businesses, charities and community groups to bid for tenancies at market rent. We’re asking you to have a look at the areas we’ve highlighted as possible areas to use this new act on and to let us know your thoughts on them.
Have your say
This consultation is focused solely on the potential use of HSRAs and outlines proposed areas within town centres that could benefit from these powers based on:
- high levels of vacancy
- economic importance to the wider town
- potential for regeneration and business growth
- designation as town centres in our Local Plan
We are seeking views to help define the ‘high street area’ boundaries with respect to the potential future use of HSRAs powers.
Deadline for responses: 23 November 2025