Kingston's economic development strategy 2024 to 2028

The UK government granted new High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers to local authorities in December 2024. 

Under the rules of the scheme, once implemented, properties vacant for more than a year could be subject to a HSRA. This is only if the landlord has not taken sufficient steps to let their premises. It is primarily aimed to support activation in areas where there are high vacancy rates and disengaged landlords. HSRA powers would only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The UK's average high street vacancy rate is around 14% and 10.6% in Greater London. In a recent vacancy audit, the mean average across all Kingston high streets was 7.71% with no significant areas of concern. Overall the borough's high streets appear relatively healthy in terms of vacancy count and have improved in terms of fewer vacant units since the last check 3 years earlier.

At this stage, Kingston council has no plans to implement these powers.  However, we will:

• Regularly audit vacancies to identify potential issues early.
• Collaborate with Kingston’s Business Improvement District and local partnerships to monitor and identify affected areas and units.

While there is no immediate need to implement these powers in the borough, we are ensuring that should the need arise, we’re in a strong position to do so.

Our aim is to proactively work with landlords to bring empty units back into use where possible.

Should the council decide to progress use of these powers, in the first instance, the Council must designate an area or street where the powers could be applied and local communities and stakeholders would be consulted on the proposed areas.

Visit the government High Street Rental Auctions: Non-statutory guidance page for more information.