Recommendation 122

We heard that the proposal could help to tackle persistent vacancies but that it may be unsuccessful if local authority resources are not available to undertake the auction effectively. 247 Both the Local Government Association and the Institute for Place Management added that the powers would need to be considered within the wider context of why there are persistent vacancies in a space, rather than being treated in isolation. 248 Mr Robinson suggested that, when enacted, the powers were unlikely to see an immediate step change in the number of vacant properties being brought back into use. However, he thought they would provide place leaders with the ability to engage with obstructive property owners and would be “a welcome extra tool”. 249 He also advocated for considering giving local authorities more powers to compel landlords to bring properties back into use or the levying of fines on long term vacant properties on high streets. 250