Occupancy In the short-term, Covid will negatively impact occupancy levels in all towns and cities. Some businesses have already announced their closure. Banking and fashion retail have witnessed the greatest fallout. That said, we do not have to accept significant levels of vacancy in our towns as a fait accompli. We can look at innovative uses for vacant space and create rates- and rent-controlled zones to appeal to SME artisan food and craft producers. There is no reason why many towns cannot have a mini-English Market of their own. To solve the occupancy conundrum, it’s worth considering appointing an occupancy champion to every county council. If a building falls vacant, something happens about it.