A Bill to enable local authorities to allocate for temporary use by charities, community organisations and small businesses any vacant commercial properties during the period of their vacancy; to provide for certain obligations on landlords of commercial property in connection with such allocations; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Luke AkehurstLabour (Co-op)
25 February 2026
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would let local authorities temporarily allocate vacant commercial premises to charities, community organisations and small businesses while the spaces are empty. It would require landlords to meet certain obligations to support these allocations and working with councils. The aim is to make better use of vacant spaces for the benefit of local communities.
The bill is at the 2nd Reading in the Commons. If it progresses, it would move to Committee Stage, then Report and Third Readings in the Commons before moving to the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
16 Dec 2025
17 Apr 2026
The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 April 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.
This is a Private Members' Bill and was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday 16 December 2025 under the Ten Minute Rule.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
