Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce the number of unoccupied shop buildings in North Shropshire.

The Government is fully committed to revitalising our high streets and tackling vacancy, in North Shropshire and across the country. To help reduce the number of unoccupied shop units, the Government is empowering councils through High Street Rental Auctions, enabling them to bring long-term vacant properties back into use.

This is supported by wider national measures, including banning upwards-only rent reviews in commercial leases and introducing lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors from 2026. Additional powers such as the community right to buy and streamlined compulsory purchase orders will further support local revitalisation and help create more vibrant, accessible high streets.