As local authorities move from policy designation to practical delivery, early experience reveals that the notice period is the most critical stage of the High Street Rental Auction process. Rather than just a precursor to auction, this stage is acting as a powerful catalyst for landlord engagement and bringing long-term vacant units back into use.

Facing the scale of change set out in the English Devolution White Paper, 21 areas are currently navigating Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). To support them, the LGA and Local Partnerships have launched the LGR toolkit—a central index of wisdom, checklists, and thematic guidance to simplify the path from proposal to Vesting Day.

Dan Gordon, Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG, explains High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), a new power for local authorities in England to tackle persistent commercial high street vacancy and revitalise town centres.

Philippa Rees of AMP Clean Energy introduces "Battery Box," a micro-sized energy storage solution, and explains how it aligns with the UK's Clean Power 2030 initiative. She highlights a successful case study with Suffolk County Council, demonstrating local energy storage in action.

Georgia Lewis of Local Partnerships provides crucial guidance for public authorities on preparing for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract expiry, emphasizing the urgent need for early planning to ensure effective asset handback and mitigate risks.

Kevin Joyce explores the "rooftop revolution" in solar power, discussing the integration of solar installations in new build housing and options for re-roofing listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, aligning with the UK's green energy investment targets.