The performance of the retail sector is a perennial news headline.  Following mixed fortunes during the all-important Christmas trading season, questions are being asked about the future of the high street and whether some of Britain's best-known high street stores will survive the ongoing shift to online shopping.

However, against this backdrop, data from property agents Carter Jonas shows that councils invested £1.5 billion in retail property between 2013 and 2017 with local authorities recognising that, while the situation is challenging, potential remains.