WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols is backing new powers being introduced by the Government to crack down on dodgy shops blighting town centres.
The Government has announced new powers to close illegal mini-marts, dodgy barbers and vape shops for up to one year – allowing authorities more time to pursue criminal bosses and put them behind bars.
This will double the current closure time – helping the authorities gather evidence and stop the rogue business from reopening again a short time later.
This follows measures announced by the Government a few weeks ago to establish a new £30 million enforcement unit, with 75 new officers, to ensure organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures and cash seizures.
Welcoming the new powers, Ms Nichols MP said: “The public have had enough of dodgy high street shops involved in crime. I want to see these closed for good and not reopen again a few months later.
“I am glad the Government is taking action, investing money in enforcement and finding solutions to stop the same shops popping up again.’
“Having a street full of closed-down shops, however, is not a permanent solution. We need to – and we can – rejuvenate our high streets. This is just the first step.”
John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “CTSI welcomes the government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers across England and Wales, particularly regarding closure orders, which is an issue we have been actively campaigning on recently. Closure orders are a key enforcement tool for Trading Standards Officers in tackling ‘dodgy shops’ but our members have made us aware of challenges that limit their current impact.
“Strengthening enforcement powers, including extending the duration of closure orders, is an important first step in addressing those issues. Stronger enforcement powers will allow officers more time to investigate criminality, prevent criminals from using premises to break the law and, crucially, safeguard local communities from the serious risk these groups pose.
“CTSI is encouraged by the government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers, and we look forward to engaging with the consultation process to ensure the powers are as robust as possible to help crack down on criminals and safeguard local communities.”
Josh Nicholson, Head of Housing and Communities, Centre for Social Justice, added: “For too long, organised criminal gangs have hijacked shopfronts on our high streets and got away with it. These gangs sell illegal tobacco, traffic drugs, and facilitate immigration crime from the heart of our communities, undermining the foundations of safe community life.
“Enforcement agencies tell us that they need stronger and faster powers to shut down these criminal shops for good. We welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to strengthening closure orders which will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the organised criminals who operate across Britain’s high streets.”
The new measures will be taken forward following a consultation with interested parties, with regulations to extend closure orders expected to be laid by the end of 2026.
