Debenham's high profile demise has been a stark reminder of retail's on-going woes. As the chain fell into the hands of its lenders, it marked another sorry chapter for UK retail. But how will local authorities be feeling about the development? Some will undoubtedly be nervous.

Since 2015, local authorities have spent around £800m on acquiring shopping centres in a bid to take control of what is often a town or city's prime commercial asset.