North Northamptonshire Council selected as an early adopter for new government initiative

06 March 2025

It has been announced that North Northamptonshire Council, alongside eight other councils across the country, has been selected by Government to take part in a pilot scheme designed to reduce the number of empty retail units.

Following Executive approval last month, the council has now officially joined the Government’s High Street Rental Auction Early Adopters programme - a scheme that was introduced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Being officially accepted onto this programme is an important and innovative step forward in our work to support regeneration in town centres across North Northants.

This is a real opportunity to be part of such an exciting project and to spearhead the use of new legislative powers as well as being able to input on how the programme can be put into practice.Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration

Schemes like this bring massive benefits to areas across the country. But its also about thinking locally and we know that high streets in North Northants have been through a considerable change over the last couple of years. We are committed to doing all we can to help boost high streets across the local area, which will in turn create jobs, improve the local economy and improve the overall appearance of our high streets.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

High Street Rental Auctions are a brilliant way for councils to bring shops and shoppers back to the high street, boosting trade, creating jobs and supporting our communities.

I am delighted that eight more councils have become Early Adopters of these new powers, acting as leading lights for other local authorities.

We are committed to growing the economy and improving opportunities for people across the country through our Plan for Change, and thriving high streets have a key role to play.

That’s why we are backing the rollout of the powers with over £1m of funding on offer to help ensure our communities have the resources they need to realise their potential.Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris

Now that North Northamptonshire Council has been included in the Early Adopters programme, a working group will be set up to scope out a policy which will then be considered by the Executive later in 2025.

Council officers will also work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government throughout the process and work through the next phase to identify high streets in North Northamptonshire to designate for High Street Rental Auctions.