Town halls would be able to seize empty shops and bring them back into use, under Labour plans to revive decaying high streets.
… belief that fewer shops will be needed after the Covid-19 pandemic…
The Independent writes:
The party will accuse the government of overseeing “a decade of decline” that has weakened the economy and society – vowing to give local councils beefed-up powers to act.
It will also draw a dividing line with Boris Johnson’s plans for empty shops to be quickly converted into new homes, because of a belief that fewer shops will be needed after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under changes to come into force in August, restaurants, banks, gyms, creches and offices will also be fast-tracked for residential use.
That policy will see high streets “sold off to the highest bidder for poor quality housing without planning permission”, the shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds will allege.
Vowing to fight back instead, she will say in a set piece speech: “Britain’s high streets are at the heart of local communities
“It is not just a string of shops and post offices, it’s a place that people want to have pride in. The high street goes to the heart of Labour’s vision to make Britain the best place to grow up and grow old in.”
