The BPF has warned that the UK’s vacant high streets are “a symptom of deeper structural pressures” as it downplayed the government's new £150m cash injection to tackle boarded up shops.

The funding, unveiled as part of a forthcoming High Streets Strategy, will be targeted at town centres hit hardest in recent years by shop closures.

Ministers said the money would help revive high streets blighted by the loss of essential local retailers such as butchers, grocers and bakers.

Further details on how the £150m will be allocated and which areas will benefit are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Adam Cohen, policy manager, British Property Federation (BPF), welcomed the funding but urged the government to address the pressures creating vacant high streets.

“Empty shops are a symptom of deeper structural pressures affecting high streets, not a problem that can be solved simply by changing ownership,” he said.

“Our members are as committed as anyone to tackling high street vacancies. Their business model is driven by rental income from having tenants in place. Where shops are empty, it is often because of sky high business rates, the rise of online shopping and falling real disposable income.

“Our most vulnerable high streets need a genuine comprehensive plan for regeneration, including dramatically reduced business rates and more flexible planning policies to support a broader mix of uses and greater vibrancy.”

The government is also introducing a new community right-to-buy, through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, giving local people greater power to save valued community assets such as sports clubs and pubs.

Communities secretary Steve Reed said: “Our high streets are the beating heart of Britain — where communities come together and local businesses can grow.

“Town centres have suffered from high streets falling into decline, and that is why we’re taking action to turn the tide with this crucial investment and more to come.

“We have listened to what people are telling us and that’s why we’re giving them the power and control to breathe new life back into our high streets and restore the sense of pride communities feel, building on our transformational Pride in Place programme.”