In an unexpected proposal the UK Government has unveiled a legislative proposal to ban upwards-only rent review clauses (UORRs) in new and renewed commercial leases under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This proposal if enacted will be one of the most significant changes to the commercial leasing sector. 

The aim of the Bill is to make commercial leasing fairer for tenants and ensure rents are set more efficiently and to stimulate economic growth. Whilst the policy is to support small businesses and revive high streets by making rent more flexible and responsive to market conditions, it is questionable as to how this will be achieved when the trend is for high street leases to be short-term.