High Street Rental Auctions

Rugby Borough Council is consulting with residents, businesses and premises owners on the permissive powers known as High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA). These powers were introduced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The HSRA were developed by the Government to help Local Authorities tackled the issue of long-term vacant premises in Town Centres. 

Rugby Borough Council may seek to exercise the right to pursue a High Street Rental Auction procedure on a commercial property or properties in the future in line with government guidance.

Current Stage

Anybody wishing to comment upon the proposal can do so by emailing: estatesandproperty@rugby.gov.uk. Comments should specify whether the proposed area is supported or not and include the reasons why. Comments can be made between 7 July 2025 and 11 August 2025. It should be noted that comments on the general principle of the auctions will be noted but not included within the consultation responses. 

Relevant properties within the boundary identified will receive a consultation letter. 

Next Steps

Following the public consultation, we will identify properties within the Designated Area that satisfy both the vacancy condition and local benefit condition. We will then engage with landlords and begin surveying the premises.