Jo Platt MP: progress on my Shut Down Dodgy Shops campaign
Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, discusses the progress of her campaign to combat illicit high street businesses linked to organised crime and money laundering.
I recently joined the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Trading Standards, Greater Manchester Police and other key partners at the National Crime Agency alongside Charlotte Nichols MP to discuss the coordinated action being taken across our region to tackle organised crime taking root on our high streets.
The NCA estimates that at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with around £1 billion laundered through high street businesses such as mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores and sweet shops.
Having seen the rise of illicit businesses linked to money laundering and tax evasion - often operating under the guise of barbers, vape shops and off-licences - I launched my national "Shut Down Dodgy Shops" campaign last year.
Since then, we have seen real progress and meaningful Government action.
Measures announced to date include:
£30 million of additional funding to increase police and Trading Standards resources, enabling more raids, business closures and seizures.
A public consultation on extending the maximum duration of closure orders from six months to twelve months, giving authorities more time to gather evidence and pursue prosecutions.
The creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit, which will work across Government to strengthen the local and national response to organised crime operating on our high streets.
The introduction of Operation Mackenzie, focused on tracing and disrupting the flow of criminal money.
Progress through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, providing further tools to tackle the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products.
£15 million per year to support a new intelligence-led cross-government taskforce that will map organised crime, money laundering and associated criminality on high streets, alongside additional staffing resources.
These measures collectively aim to combat organised crime and protect local communities from the risks posed by rogue businesses.
These illegal premises are far from victimless.
They undermine legitimate local traders, distort fair competition, facilitate serious and organised crime, and contribute to the decline of our town centres.
For too long, criminal networks have exploited weaknesses in the system, using seemingly ordinary businesses as fronts for wider illicit activity.
Residents and businesses have repeatedly raised concerns with me about the impact these premises are having on our high streets and local communities.
The additional funding, stronger enforcement powers and greater coordination between agencies are important steps in the right direction.
I want to see thriving town centres, empty units brought back into use, and strong support for genuine local businesses.
Shutting down criminal enterprises that exploit our communities is a vital part of that mission and I’ll continue to work with Government on this agenda.
We must continue to ensure that our law enforcement agencies have the powers, resources and support they need to crack down on rogue operators, protect legitimate businesses, and restore confidence in our high streets as safe, vibrant centres of local commerce and community life.